In Part 2 of this year in review, Eric Walczykowski, CEO of Bespoke Partners, is joined by Adam Boone, Chief Commercial Officer, to examine what the 2025 results made unmistakably clear. As executive turnover dropped by roughly 50 percent across private equity backed software companies, the leadership market tightened even further, raising the stakes of every hiring decision.

This discussion breaks down how leadership gaps translate into real EBITDA leakage and lost enterprise value, why executive roles increasingly represent billion dollar decisions at exit, and how delays in filling critical seats compound risk. Drawing on data from hundreds of placements and proprietary market analysis, Eric and Adam explain why executive search has become a capital allocation decision and what sponsors must understand as deal activity accelerates into 2026.

Learn more about Bespoke Partners and leadership strategy for private equity backed software companies: https://www.bespokepartners.com 

Get deeper insights by downloading your version of our newest release of the Private Equity Talent Report, Talent Market Update: https://www.bespokepartners.com/private-equity-talent-report/