Chief Executive Officer (Confidential)

Location: Remote (Global Scope)

Overview

We are conducting a confidential search for a Chief Executive Officer to lead a profitable, globally recognized consumer lifestyle brand generating over $100M in annual revenue.

The business has strong existing cash flow, established international distribution, and meaningful brand equity. With new ownership in place, the company is entering its next phase—creating a rare opportunity for a CEO to take real control, drive operational improvements, and unlock significant enterprise value.

This is not a turnaround in the traditional sense. The foundation is solid. The opportunity is to optimize, scale, and position the business for a strategic exit.

The Opportunity

This role is built for a true operator—someone who can step in, assess quickly, make hard calls, and drive outcomes.

Key mandates include:

• Operational Control & Profit OptimizationEvaluate and streamline the business to maximize cash flow and efficiency
• Implement financial discipline, KPIs, and reporting rigor
• Optimize supplier relationships, cost structure, and margins
• Leadership & Organizational ResetAssess the current team and make decisive talent decisions
• Build a lean, accountable, high-performance organization
• Recruit key leaders where needed
• Growth & Market ExpansionDevelop and execute a U.S. market entry strategy
• Expand global distribution and partnerships
• Leverage brand equity to drive profitable growth
• Value Creation & Exit ReadinessDrive EBITDA expansion and enterprise value
• Prepare the business for a strategic transaction
• Partner closely with ownership on exit strategy

Ideal Candidate Profile

This is not a role for a career executive who needs structure. It’s for a builder/operator who thrives in ambiguity and takes ownership.

Must-Have Experience:

• Proven ownership of a meaningful P&L ($50M–$300M+ range)
• Track record of improving profitability and cash flow
• Experience operating in high-change or transitional environments
• History of making tough personnel and structural decisions
• Experience working directly with founders, owners, or investors

Preferred Background:

• Consumer, CPG, or lifestyle brands
• Regulated or complex categories (e.g., nicotine, cannabis, alcohol)
• International distribution and sourcing models
• Founder-led or private equity-backed businesses

What Success Looks Like

• Increased profitability and operational efficiency within the first 6–12 months
• A rebuilt, high-performing leadership team
• Clear execution of U.S. and global growth strategy
• A business positioned for a premium exit outcome

Compensation

Designed for operators who want to build value—not just collect a salary:

• Base: $300K – $450K
• Bonus: 50–100% of base (performance-driven)
• Equity / Exit Upside: Meaningful participation tied to value creation
• Optional: Sign-on or guaranteed first-year bonus

Who This Role Is For

• Builders who want control and accountability
• Operators who move fast and make decisions with imperfect information
• Leaders who understand how to create value—not just manage it
• Individuals motivated by upside and ownership, not stability alone

Who This Role Is NOT For

• Executives who require large teams and infrastructure to operate
• Pure strategists without hands-on execution experience
• Leaders who avoid difficult decisions
• Anyone looking for a “maintenance” CEO role

Confidential Inquiry

If this aligns with your background and interests, we welcome a confidential conversation.