Columbia Business School

The Business of Private Equity

Columbia Business School

Finance & Investing

About Programme

Private equity (PE) firms are built on investment expertise, but running the firm itself requires a distinct set of leadership, strategic, and operational capabilities. While most senior leaders rise through the ranks as dealmakers, they often lack formal preparation for the multifaceted responsibilities of managing a private equity organization.

The Business of Private Equity program addresses this gap. Designed for executives on the path to leadership or newly appointed to senior roles, it equips participants with the frameworks, insights, and peer connections to successfully guide their firms through growth, succession, and organizational complexity.

Programme Content

Scaling the Private Equity FirmExplore the strategic and operational challenges of expanding a PE firm, whether through acquisitions of other asset managers or organic growth. Learn about due diligence, integration practices, and approaches to ensure firm-wide alignment during expansion.

Investing in Private Equity BusinessesUnderstand the unique perspective of GP-stakes investors who evaluate PE firms as businesses in their own right. These discussions shed light on patterns of firm leadership, succession planning, and the challenges that arise as firms mature and grow.

The Chief Operating Officer PerspectiveExamine the COO’s role in overseeing global operations, technology, risk, and enterprise services. Participants will gain insight into how COOs create organizational efficiency and ensure that the firm’s infrastructure supports both investment and client needs.

Leadership Succession PlanningDelve into the complex process of leadership transitions, from compensation structures and legal considerations to cultural continuity. Learn from industry leaders and advisors about strategies for ensuring seamless succession.

Branding and Communication in the Private Equity FirmDiscover why a compelling brand and effective communication strategy are essential to fundraising, talent retention, and portfolio company alignment. Explore best practices for communicating with investors, employees, and partners.

Who’s Who in the Private Equity FirmGain a comprehensive view of critical roles beyond investment professionals, including General Counsel, CFO, COO, and Investor Relations. Learn how these roles interact and support the overall functioning of a PE firm.

Risk Management in the Private Equity FirmAnalyze how firms navigate investment, political, and regulatory risks. Uncover strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that affect performance and reputation.

Value Creation Strategy and Team FormationExplore how firms build dedicated value creation teams to drive portfolio growth. Learn the challenges around talent acquisition, compensation, and organizational alignment in forming these teams.

Programme Audience

This program is designed for private equity professionals stepping into or preparing for senior leadership roles. Typical participants include:

Partners, Managing Directors, and senior executives with 8–12 years of experience in private equity.
Newly appointed CEOs or Managing Partners seeking to strengthen their organizational leadership capabilities.
Executives in adjacent industries who need to understand how PE firms operate to lead partnerships or advisory roles effectively.
Private equity firm founders looking to take their firm to the next level

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Prashansa Uttam

Programme Advisor

+91 9403890085[email protected]Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm IST

Columbia Business School

Executive Education Office

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https://academics.gsb.columbia.edu
New York, USA

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The Business of Private Equity | Columbia CBS