PE-backed CEOs and CFOs are facing a tough reality: exits are delayed, capital is costly, and investor pressure is mounting. Growth is still possible—but it takes sharper execution and a clear plan for what’s next.
At the PE-Backed Leadership Summit, you’ll hear what’s working right now from CEOs, CFOs and investors navigating the same environment. Walk away with new strategies for capital, talent and M&A—plus peer insights that will help you move forward with confidence.
This isn’t just theory—it’s candid insight from people who’ve been in your seat. Hear directly from CEOs like Kathy Bolhous (Charter Next Generation) and Christine Miller (Melinta Therapeutics) on scaling under pressure, and from top investors like Soo Kim (Standard General) and Andrew Glaze (Equitable Capital) on what they expect from leadership in today’s environment. It’s the kind of perspective you won’t find anywhere else.
Secure your spot at the most focused gathering of PE-backed leaders this year.
With an exclusive lineup of seasoned leaders and industry experts, this event will provide actionable insights and invaluable connections to help you lead with clarity and confidence.
President & CEO, Melinta Therapeutics
Senior Vice President, Warburg Pincus
Managing Partner, Aquitaine Capital
Chief Investment Officer, Standard General
Partner & Managing Director, AlixPartners
CEO, Equitable Capital
Cathrin Petty is one of the most forward-thinking PE executives in the world today. In this keynote, she’ll share where she sees the next big opportunities for portfolio company leaders, how investor expectations are shifting, and what trends she’s tracking that should be on your radar too.
Sanjay Dholakia will show you how to shift your organization’s data approach from top-down to bottom-up—unlocking insights hidden in your systems. Learn how to use that data to sharpen capital allocation, refine your go-to-market strategy, and get a clearer view of your operations.
President & CEO, Melinta Therapeutics
Managing Partner, Aquitaine Capital
Chief Investment Officer, Standard General
Sharpen your focus on profit and how CEOs are adjusting cost structures and pricing to hit EBITDA targets despite rising expenses and investor pressure.
Simplify to scale. Discover what’s working in process discipline, operational KPIs and how CEOs are pushing teams to execute better under pressure.
Know what your investors want. Learn how PE firms are shifting expectations, measuring performance and communicating around delayed exits.
With higher interest rates and a cautious M&A market, learn how executives are evaluating acquisitions, exits and strategic investments.
Annual Gathering of PE-Backed Company Leaders
Years Supporting the CEO Community
The road ahead is rich with opportunity, but success requires strategic precision. In this panel, seasoned CEOs of high-growth PE-backed companies share how they’ve scaled their businesses in collaboration with their PE investors and how they are capitalizing on today’s unique environment to drive transformative growth. From navigating a revitalized M&A market to harnessing technology and winning the talent war, these leaders offer candid, actionable insights that you can put into practice in your own organization asap.
The relationship between CEOs and PE investors is critical—especially in an evolving market. In this candid discussion, a panel of seasoned PE investors shares what they’re looking for in portfolio company leadership today and what will drive success in the year ahead. From navigating economic uncertainty to prioritizing growth and operational excellence, this session offers unfiltered insights and actionable advice from decades of experience partnering with top-performing teams.
In these working lunch sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to sit down with your peers and subject matter experts for interactive discussions to delve into some of your most complicated strategic issues.
A must-attend session for PE-backed leaders, this annual favorite offers a comprehensive look at the global market forces shaping business strategies for 2026. From the IPO and M&A markets to the global economic outlook and private equity dynamics, this session provides the insights to capitalize on opportunities, mitigate risks and drive growth in an evolving economic environment.
In private equity, leadership is everything. Tight timelines, high expectations and relentless pressure mean there’s little room for missteps—especially at the top, especially today. With decades of experience shaping executive teams for PE-backed firms, CEO favorite Ted Bililies shares powerful insights into what today’s state-of-the-art leadership teams are doing to thrive. Learn how to identify and develop the right leaders, avoid costly misalignments, and build a mission-first team capable of driving exceptional results in the high-stakes PE environment.
Here's what past attendees of the PE-Backed Leadership Summit had to say about their experience:
“Great content, speakers and format. I really enjoyed hearing from CEOs who have “been there and done it” or doing it now.”
Salute
“Great topics, pertinent information, highly relevant and very fun. Definitely recommend to CEOs and strategic C-Suite, help to get macro view.”
ProSource Supply
“Practical advice, immediate quick-wins, inspiring talks and adaptive approach to current economic environment.”
Medcor, Inc.
Book by March 14
$1,095
$995/person
Book by May 30
$1,295
$995/person
Book by July 11
$1,395
$1,095/person
Book by Aug. 29
$1, 495
$1,195/person
After August 29
$1,595
$1,295/person
Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Harvard Club offers a private, historic setting just steps from Bryant Park, Times Square and Grand Central.
The Club blends classic architecture with modern amenities, providing a fitting backdrop for the PE-Backed Leadership Summit.
We have negotiated discounted rates with a set of nearby hotels.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.