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# CEO, Portfolio Company with a Private Equity Group – Tampa, FL



JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in placing top-tier talent, has been exclusively retained by a leading middle-market Private Equity group to identify a transformative Chief Executive Officer for one of its key portfolio companies based in the vibrant Tampa, Florida area. This is a rare and compelling opportunity for a proven executive leader to step into a high-impact role, taking the helm of a well-established business with significant untapped potential for growth and market leadership.
The portfolio company operates in a dynamic and growing industry, poised for accelerated expansion through a combination of organic growth initiatives and strategic acquisitions. The private equity sponsor is committed to providing the necessary capital, strategic resources, and operational support to fuel this growth. We are seeking a visionary and operationally-driven CEO who can partner effectively with the investment team and the Board of Directors to architect and execute a bold vision, build a world-class organization, and ultimately deliver exceptional returns for all stakeholders. This role demands a leader with a unique blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, operational discipline, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Role Overview for CEO, Portfolio Company with a Private Equity Group – Tampa, FL
The Chief Executive Officer will assume full P&L responsibility for the entire organization, serving as the ultimate authority on all strategic and operational matters. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO will be the primary architect of the company’s future. This executive will be responsible for refining and executing the company’s long-term strategy, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability, and driving the company towards a successful exit.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who is not afraid to ‘roll up their sleeves’ and dive deep into the business, while also possessing the strategic altitude to steer the company through market shifts and competitive challenges. You will be the face of the company to employees, customers, partners, and the investment community, embodying its values and ambition.
Your primary mandate will be to rapidly scale the business and maximize enterprise value, working in close collaboration with a dedicated and experienced private equity partner. This is more than a management position; it is an ownership opportunity, requiring a leader who thinks and acts like a principal, meticulously stewarding capital and resources to generate outstanding results.
Key Responsibilities of CEO, Portfolio Company with a Private Equity Group – Tampa, FL
Strategic Leadership and Execution
In partnership with the Board, develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive strategic plan to drive revenue growth and profitability. Translate the high-level investment thesis into a tangible, actionable operating plan with clear metrics and milestones. Proactively identify and pursue M&A opportunities, leading diligence and integration efforts to accelerate growth.
Financial and P&L Management
Assume full responsibility for the company’s financial performance. Develop and manage annual budgets, financial forecasts, and long-range plans. Implement rigorous financial controls and reporting mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability. Manage cash flow, balance sheet, and capital allocation to optimize the company’s financial health and support growth investments.
Operational Excellence
Drive a culture of continuous improvement across all functions. Identify and eliminate operational inefficiencies, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction. Ensure the company’s infrastructure, processes, and systems can effectively scale with rapid growth.
Commercial and Go-to-Market Leadership
Oversee all commercial functions, including sales, marketing, and business development. Develop and execute innovative go-to-market strategies to expand market share, enter new verticals, and enhance brand positioning. Personally engage with key customers and partners to foster strong relationships and drive strategic accounts.
Team Building and Cultural Development
Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing senior leadership team. Foster a dynamic, results-oriented, and accountable culture that attracts and inspires top talent at all levels. Champion professional development and establish clear succession plans for critical roles.
Board and Investor Relations
Serve as the primary point of contact with the private equity sponsor and the Board of Directors. Prepare and present regular, detailed updates on performance, strategy, and key initiatives. Cultivate a transparent and collaborative relationship with the Board, leveraging their expertise to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Successfully manage the company through the full PE investment lifecycle, from executing a strategic value creation plan to orchestrating a successful exit.
Requirements for the CEO, Portfolio Company with a Private Equity Group – Tampa, FL
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with a demonstrated history of leading and scaling businesses, preferably within a private equity-backed context. You must possess a robust financial toolkit, a bias for action, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a P&L leadership role (e.g., CEO, President, General Manager) for a business of comparable size and complexity.
Private Equity Acumen
Prior experience working successfully within a private equity-backed environment is strongly preferred. A deep understanding of the pace, metrics, and reporting requirements of PE ownership is critical.
Proven Growth Track Record
Demonstrable success in scaling a business, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Must be able to provide specific examples of strategies implemented and the resulting impact on revenue and EBITDA growth.
Financial Sophistication
Exceptional financial and analytical skills. Must be fluent in reading and interpreting financial statements, managing a budget, and using data-driven insights to make critical business decisions.
Operational Expertise
Strong operational background with experience in implementing scalable processes and systems to support growth.
Inspirational Leadership
A natural leader and culture-builder with a proven ability to attract, mentor, and motivate A-player talent. Must have excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly desirable.
Personal Attributes
High-energy, resilient, and resourceful. Possesses unquestionable integrity, a strong work ethic, and a hands-on, ‘no-task-is-too-small’ mentality. Must be comfortable in a fast-paced, demanding environment where performance is paramount.
Benefits & Perks Offered
The compensation package for this role is designed to attract a world-class executive and is heavily weighted towards performance and value creation. It includes:

A competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
A significant annual performance-based bonus tied to key financial and strategic objectives.

A substantial equity participation package
, providing a meaningful opportunity to share in the value created upon a successful exit.

Comprehensive executive benefits package, including top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Executive-level Paid Time Off (PTO) and holiday schedule.
Full relocation assistance for the selected candidate and their family to the Tampa, FL area.
A professional development stipend for continued learning and executive coaching.

How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive search partner for this critical leadership role. We are committed to a thorough and confidential recruitment process. If you are a qualified and ambitious executive who meets the criteria outlined above and is ready to lead a company to its next stage of transformative growth, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. Interested candidates should direct all inquiries and applications through our official portal. For more information on our expertise in this area, please visit our Private Equity Executive Search practice page. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications.