Challenge
A European private equity back-office and operations strategy boutique sought to expand its leadership presence in North America to support a growing U.S. client base.
The ambition went beyond delivery. The firm needed entrepreneurial leaders who could originate and sell work, build credibility under a lesser-known brand, and shape a scalable U.S. platform.
Before progressing, the client required clarity on two points:
- Where the right Partner-level talent sat in the U.S. market
- Whether their proposition would resonate credibly with senior candidates
Why River
The client engaged River for deep U.S. market insight and credible access to entrepreneurial Partner-level leaders. Previous approaches had struggled to articulate the opportunity compellingly.
River was selected for its ability to conduct rigorous market mapping, refine the leadership brief based on real data, and engage senior operators capable of building a platform — not simply joining one.
Approach
- Conducted comprehensive U.S. market mapping across relevant consulting firms, competitors, and adjacencies
- Stress-tested the availability and appetite of entrepreneurial Partner talent
- Refined and sharpened the brief based on market intelligence
- Positioned the opportunity clearly and credibly to senior candidates
- Advised the client on optimal leadership structure as the search progressed
- The process ultimately revealed that the client’s ambitions would be better served by appointing a leadership team rather than a single individual.
Outcome & Impact
- Appointed a Partner & Industry Lead to spearhead U.S. growth
- Appointed a second Partner to strengthen delivery and client development
- Established a credible, scalable North American platform aligned to long-term strategy