Boyden Launches Global Private Equity & Venture Capital Practice

January 17, 2020 – Boyden has created a new global private equity and venture capital practice and named Anita Pouplard, a managing partner of Boyden France, as its leader.

“Anita was our board’s unanimous choice to lead our global private equity and venture capital practice, which has been growing for several years in succession,” said Trina Gordon, president and CEO of Boyden. “Her vision, multisector expertise and impressive cross-border assignments are all important qualities to further build this key practice as we enter the new decade.”

Ms. Pouplard, a trusted advisor to the C-suite and boards, has completed numerous international search assignments over the past 20 years. A large share of her client work is in fast-growing sectors with large volumes in investment by PE and VC firms in technology, digital transformation, SaaS, internet of things, fintech and cleantech/greentech.

“With the continuing growth of private equity and venture capital, combined with an overall talent shortage, driving the growth of portfolio firms and ultimately maximizing returns requires expertise in solving human capital challenges,” said Ms. Pouplard. “Our global footprint and three lines of business make Boyden the partner of choice to address leadership strategies in the PE and VC industries. We’re continuing to focus on securing our clients’ investments by recruiting leaders who will be decisive in resolving immediate challenges, while balancing caution with innovation to optimize performance in the longer term,” she said.

In 2019, total global private equity funds closed at U.S. $595 billion, marking the fourth year in a row of more than $500 billion, according to analysis by Prequin Ltd. However, in the throes of growth, PE and VC firms and their portfolio companies face significant challenges, including attracting and retaining the right talent to manage increasing complexities. This issue is discussed by Ms. Pouplard and other leading Boyden partners, PE firms and experts in Boyden’s recently released report, Executive Monitor: Private Equity and the Industrial Sector.

Boyden is a global provider of executive search services, with more than 70 offices in over 40 countries. Founded in 1946, the firm specializes in high-level executive search, interim management and human capital consulting across a broad spectrum of industries.

Expansion Plans

Boyden continues to expand and add talent across several global regions. Here are some related news items from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:

In a series of key leadership decisions, Boyden will largely be staying the course as it looks to continue its growth moving forward. Jörg Kasten has been re-elected to a third term as chairman and Trina Gordon won another term as president CEO, through 2021, the firm said. Three new members, meanwhile, are joining Boyden’s global board. Ms. Gordon has been in her role since 2011.

Boyden also expanded in Canada with the opening an office in the province of Saskatchewan. It is led by Dan Brown, a new Boyden Canada partner. “The global presence of the region is understated and the time was right to showcase Saskatchewan,” said Kevin Gregor, a partner of Boyden Canada. “Dan brings a track record in C-suite engagements across several sectors, including industrial, business services, non-profit and education. His arrival with Boyden is a big opportunity to grow our presence in Saskatchewan and in Canada while leveraging our global connections.”

In April, the firm named Roger T. Duguay, managing partner of the Montréal office, as leader of its cross-sector global CEO and board services practice. He succeeded Tom Flannery, who will continue as managing partner of the firm’s Pittsburgh office and as the North American leader of the CEO and board services practice. Mr. Duguay will continue as a managing partner and board member of Boyden Canada.