Elite Search Partners

Elite Search Partners would like to wish our U.S. Network a Happy Thanksgiving! As we take a moment to reflect on the things we're grateful for, we want to say a huge thank you to our incredible network—our clients, partners, and everyone who’s been part of our journey this year. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving! 🧡 Reece Moran Mica Burke Alex Lavender

Last night the ESP team got together for 2024's (slightly premature) Christmas Party! After a markedly successful year across the business, it was great to enjoy some sushi, wine and cocktails at Lucky Cat and celebrate with new additions to the team. Looking forward to a strong end to the year as we move into what we know will be an incredible 2025!

This weekend marked ESP’s 2-year anniversary since launching in 2022.   I'm writing this as we head back from a week in Chicago, where Reece Moran and I had the chance to visit some of our most valued clients, definitely a full-circle moment.   Some highlights from our second year:   - 279% Revenue Growth YOY - Expanded our headcount to 7 - accionvegana into our new office space with ample room for more growth  - Travelled to visit clients across 3 continents - Hired our first, full-time Ops team member (Charlotte C. – you’re doing an incredible job) - Officially became a 7-figure business!   Very grateful of the team we've built and for all their hard work over the last 12 months, thank you to each of you for making ESP what it is today. Reece Moran Layla Cole Alex Lavender Jake Richardson Mica Burke Charlotte C. After reflecting on what has been a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding journey so far, I couldn't be more excited to see what the next year and beyond will hold.

The US Life Science market in 2024 has been consumed by new regulations and economic caution. Moving into 2025, what can we expect for this lucrative, yet complex industry? The US general election results signal key shifts across various sectors. - Trump’s focus on reducing regulatory burdens could speed up FDA approvals and boost innovation, but may weaken oversight. - He is likely to oppose government-imposed price controls, supporting pharma profitability and market-driven competition. - While NIH cuts may continue, Trump could prioritize funding for breakthrough areas like cancer and vaccine research, with an emphasis on economic growth. - His “America First” trade policies may disrupt global supply chains and manufacturing, raising costs for life sciences companies. - Lower corporate taxes and incentives could spur biotech investment, though political instability may introduce uncertainty. Overall, despite challenges, the life sciences sector requires adaptable leadership to ensure long-term resilience. Elite Search Partners #executivesearch

“Trump is good for business” This is a statement that I often hear on calls. With Trump securing a second term, many in private equity are considering what this means for the future of investing. His first term brought tax cuts, deregulation, and pro-business reforms that created a strong environment for PE growth—but what can we expect moving forward?   - The 2017 tax cuts helped to fuel deal activity and boost valuations, and it remains to be seen whether Trump will continue these policies or introduce new changes to incentivise long-term investment. - With a focus on reducing red tape, Trump’s first term made it easier for private equity firms to close deals. Further deregulation could either improve deal-making or create new challenges as industries evolve. - Trump’s “America First” policies reshaped global trade, and his return could significantly impact cross-border investments and international partnerships. - While his policies were generally business-friendly, a second term could bring political volatility, which may affect market sentiment and investor confidence in an increasingly polarised environment.   There are opportunities ahead, but also some potential risks to consider: How do you think a Trump 2024 administration will impact the PE world? Elite Search Partners

India’s powerhouse economy is now too big to ignore. So why are Western Executive Search firms still holding back? With skyrocketing growth, prime location, and multi-billion-dollar potential, it’s time to ask: will 2025 finally be the year they wake up to India? There has always been a certain stigma attached to the Indian market from Western Firms and Investors, however people need to start paying attention to the facts: - India is the 5th richest economy in the world. Having recently surpassed the UK to this spot and now owning 3.61% of the Global GDP, it also boasts 271 billionaires more than any other country outside the US and China. - Apart from a COVID impacted 2021, India's economy has grown between 6-9% each year since 2006 and risen from $1.6t in 2010 to $3.6t in 2024. - Geographically it is positioned between large markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Japan to its East and another emerging economy in the UAE to its immediate West, with China and the UAE also being key members of BRICS. - With the emergence of Global Capability Centres (GCC's), large entities such as Lloyds and HSBC have been able to establish a foothold in India with the projected number of GCC's set to increase from 1,700 to 2,400 by 2030 with a market value of $110b and creating over 2.5m jobs. In 2024 we have successfully assisted existing multiple Indian businesses with Partner hiring in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore and have created strategic material for foreign outfits looking to invest in the region. With a strong local network and an increasing demand to add senior talent, we have no doubts that India will be a vital focus of ours in 2025. With this steady and sustainable growth projected to continue over the years we are surprised by the amount of Western Executive Search firms with no presence in India heading into 2025; with the Big 5, franchise models and local entities forming the majority of the market share. This year alone we have seen rapidly growing eagerness from Search firms based in the UK and US to establish entities in other emerging markets like the UAE and KSA and so the question remains: Will this trend continue, or will business leaders in our industry finally see India as a viable investment? Elite Search Partners

The state of Private Equity markets across the Asia-Pacific region has faced uncertainty in recent years, but where is it moving to in 2025? Recently, our Head of Research Charlotte C. and Head of APAC Jake Richardson reviewed Bain & Company's Asia-Pacific Private Equity Report and summarised key insights which could help shape APAC PE trends in 2025. By 2023, the market saw many investors put dealmaking on hold, as the worry surrounding slow economic growth grew across the region, and high interest rates increasing PE debt persisted. Asia-Pacific's share of global assets under management fell to 27% by June 2023, although several signs of market improvement began to appear this year. There has been a noticeable increase in investment activity despite macroeconomic challenges, driven by strong fundraising. In addition to this, emerging markets in Southeast Asia are gaining traction alongside traditional markets due to economic potential and international influence. For example, as of 2024, Vietnam's GDP growth is expected to be around 6.5%, driven by strong manufacturing and export activities, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia. This growth trend has attracted significant foreign investment, particularly in technology and infrastructure. Looking ahead to 2025, the Asia-Pacific PE market is expected to see: - Strong fundraising, exceeding $100 billion annually. - Exit values potentially surpassing $150 billion annually. - Regulatory reforms in countries like India and Indonesia, improving the investment landscape for PE firms. Where do you think the Asia-Pacific PE Market will sit compared to other regions next year? #executivesearch #privateequity

Elite Search Partners welcomes Charlotte C. to the team as Head of Research! #executivesearch #elitesearchpartners

Back in the UK and reflecting on a week spent with clients in the UAE & KSA, I have never been more optimistic about the potential of the GCC region. A few key reflections:  - The establishment of RHQ’s (Regional Headquarter Licences) in Saudi Arabia will disrupt the Middle East market, with firms working the Saudi market from the UAE needing to adapt their operations, this is particularly prevalent for Executive Search firms who work with Government Entities.  - Western Executive Search firms will seek to launch/expand their operations in the Middle East significantly in the coming years, especially relevant for UK firms in light of proposed tax rises.  - The UAE will continue to be a hotspot for global firms operating across multiple geographies & territories, providing a key strategic location for firms to be based in due to the timezone (Ideal for working across EMEA / APAC) & costs associated with business operations.  - Playing golf in 40c heat is not smart, nor is it complimentary to your ability. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their schedules to meet with me last week, fitting 3 years worth of network into 5 days was challenging but very enjoyable. This year ESP have established ourselves as a truly global business, successfully completing Partner & Managing Partner level mandates across 13 Countries & 4 Continents. I am very proud of what the team have achieved so far this year and remain excited for what the future holds.

After a successful search led by Matthew Eley, we are proud to announce the placement of Laurence Ashby at Wilton & Bain as Partner, leading the firm's European Private Equity Practice, headquartered in London. We wish you all the best in your new role! #elitesearchpartners #executivesearch #executivesearchfirm