Executive leadership and search specialist acquires majority stake in ‘School for CEOs’

Executive-search firm Carlyle has acquired a majority stake in School for CEOs, the executive-development company founded by David Sole OBE and Patrick Macdonald FRSE in 2011.  

School for CEOs specialises in chief executive and board development, leadership succession, coaching, executive assessment and the development of leadership frameworks. 

Founded in 2002 by Duggie Carlyle, Carlyle specialises in board, chief executive, chief financial officer and leadership headhunting.

Carlyle and School for CEOs’ combined client base includes Wood Mackenzie, Scottish Rugby, Edrington, Aviva, Baillie Gifford, SSE, Greene King and Gallagher.   

David said: “Since establishing the business 15 years ago, we have created and delivered programmes and coaching for a wide range of clients across the UK and beyond.  

“When we considered our future growth and development, Carlyle’s pedigree and brand stood out as an obvious acquirer and partner.  Both organisations feel there is a strong cultural alignment, and opportunities to accelerate the growth of both businesses on the basis of our complementary service offerings and client-centric focus.

“Looking forward, we share the same vision in terms of the strategic intent to build deeper relationships with clients.”

Fiona James-Martin, managing partner at Carlyle, said: “Having worked closely with boards and leaders for over 20 years, we have witnessed a growing client sentiment around not only identifying and securing the best leaders, advisors, and board members, but also around working more closely with them to develop leadership capability.

“School for CEOs has created an enviable reputation in this space and has a unique suite of offerings, including groundbreaking inclusive leadership development and optimisation - with many high-profile business leaders benefitting from their programmes and coaching.” 

Duggie added: “The market and demands of board and leadership teams are evolving quickly.  We are excited to be adding such a proven and respected team to our wider offering and see this as a natural evolution.  This investment from Carlyle was very much made in response to consultation from our key long-term clients, around what they needed from a key leadership partner.”

School for CEOs will continue to trade under its own name. David will remain with the business. Patrick, who is stepping down, said: “We built the School on the premise that we could help chief executives and aspiring leaders accelerate their learning and board readiness. Our hundreds of alumni are testament to the success of that vision. I wish David and the team all the best in their new ‘home’.”

www.carlyleassociates.co.uk

Pictured left-right, David Sole and Fiona James-Martin