Delivering in complex and time-critical scenarios is at our core
Private equity moves differently. Decisions happen faster, expectations are higher, and leadership requirements can change significantly from diligence through value creation and exit.
L. Maxwell works alongside private equity firms and their portfolio companies to make better leadership decisions at the moments that matter most. Our work spans industries, functions and investment stages, from pre-deal intelligence and executive search to succession planning, board services and broader leadership advisory.
We bring the rigor of executive search together with deep market intelligence, senior-level judgment and an understanding of what it takes to lead in a private equity environment.
Pre-Deal
Leadership risk can quickly become investment risk. We help sponsors develop a clearer view of the leadership landscape before a transaction closes, providing intelligence that can inform both diligence and the post-close talent agenda.
Forensic Referencing
Independent, discreet assessment of executives and leadership teams through deep market referencing.Market Research & Mapping
Targeted intelligence on leadership markets, competitors, organizational structures and relevant executive talent.Executive Introductions
Access to executives, operators and advisors who can bring perspective to an investment thesis or emerging leadership need.Pre-Deal Search
Early identification and engagement of leadership talent when timing is critical to the investment.Diligence Support
Leadership and organizational intelligence to complement commercial and operational diligence.Talent Agenda Setting
Defining the leadership priorities, capabilities and organizational requirements needed to support the value creation plan.
Executive Search
Executive search remains at the core of L. Maxwell.
We advise sponsors, boards and CEOs on consequential leadership decisions across the portfolio, including CEO, President, COO and P&L leadership, as well as functional executives across finance, technology, human resources, legal, commercial, marketing, supply chain, risk and other critical functions.
Our work begins with the business mandate, not a predetermined candidate profile. We calibrate the market, challenge assumptions when appropriate and build the search around the leadership required for the next stage of the company.
Board Services
The right board can materially strengthen a management team and the investment.
We help private equity firms and portfolio companies identify and engage independent directors, chairs, operating advisors and other board-level talent with the experience and perspective required for the situation.
Our work includes Board Search and Board Effectiveness, helping clients think beyond individual seats to the composition and capabilities of the board as a whole.
Succession Planning
Succession should begin well before a leadership transition is underway.
We help sponsors and portfolio companies develop a forward-looking view of critical leadership roles, internal bench strength and the external market. This can include ongoing market mapping and leadership intelligence, giving boards greater visibility into credible leadership alternatives before a succession decision becomes urgent.
Leadership Advisory
Finding the right executive is only one part of building an effective leadership organization.
Our advisory work helps clients assess leadership, strengthen teams and address organizational issues that can accelerate or impede value creation. Capabilities include Executive Assessment, Organizational Culture, Executive Coaching, Organizational Effectiveness and Top Team Effectiveness, with additional expertise brought in where the situation requires it.
Built for the realities of private equity
The private equity model creates a distinctive leadership environment: compressed timelines, ambitious value creation plans, changing organizational requirements and little tolerance for leadership decisions that do not work.
L. Maxwell has spent decades working in high-stakes leadership environments. Today, that experience extends broadly across industries and portfolios, giving our clients a partner who can move from pre-deal intelligence to leadership selection, succession, board and organizational advisory as the needs of an investment evolve.