Private Equity
International
International
Operating Partners Forum New York
October 29-30, 2025
Convene Brookfield Place, 225 Liberty, New York
The largest global event for private equity value creation
Join the world’s leading PE firms to uncover the best methods to deliver cross-functional portfolio optimization at a critical time.
Connect with 500+ operating partners in exclusive networking opportunities and collaborative sessions to uncover the future of PE value creation.
Optimize your portfolio companies
Hear first-hand perspectives on how to further develop your operational efficiencies.
Network with top value creators
Connect with the largest global community of private equity operating partners.
Empower your operating team
Find the right tools and knowledge to create cross-functional value.
Agenda highlights
Our unique agenda offers extensive networking activities, plus interactive working groups, think tanks, panels, breakfasts, and lunch discussions. The agenda is carefully curated to feature the most prominent functional areas in value creation. Highlights include:
- Heads of value creation/team leaders’ insights
- Practical and functional use cases for AI in PE
- The growing importance of operating partners: showcasing and measuring performance
- Future functional levers across the entire investment lifecycle
- AI’s impact on the Operating Partner-Deal team dynamic and the future of PE
- And much more…
“You have to keep yourself current and our firms are not academies for becoming better operating partners…The PEI Operating Partners Forum is the only academy that exists for Operating Partners.”
Aaron Miller
Head of Apollo Portfolio Performance Solutions
Apollo Global Management
Connect with a global community of functional specialists
How does your compensation compare?
The 2025 Operating Partners Compensation Survey will provide a temperature check of the market and aggregates the responses of 300+ operating partners across:
- Team make-up
- Compensation
- Incentive packages
- Portfolio company engagement
- And more…
Speakers
Kush Tulsidas
One Rock Capital Partners
It is a fantastic place to network with top operating talent in PE and learn the cutting edge work that their firms are doing to create value. I highly recommen…
Greg J. Pappas
Berkshire Partners
The Operating Partners Forum is the foremost event where the largest ecosystem of operating partners, suppliers and resources gather annually.
Nicole Weil
Kelso & Company
“The content is relevant for my role and I get to meet the smartest people in the industry.”
Our unique agenda offers interactive working groups, think tanks, panels, breakfast and lunch discussions. The agenda is carefully curated to feature the most prominent functional areas of value creation.
If you are interested in a speaking role please contact Marc Mele at marc.m@pei.group.
Download the preliminary agenda
View agenda page
Agenda
Pre-conference events - Tuesday 28th
Pre-conference events
17:30 - 19:30
Operating Partners Forum NY Pre-Event Welcome Reception (invitation-only for operating partners)
Venue: Gitano NYC, Waterfront, Pier 17, Seaport, New York
Join the operating partners attending the New York Forum at our opening grand reception. Exchange valuable insights with your peers in a relaxed setting and build your connections before the conference kicks off.
19:30 - 21:00
Pre-Event Dinners (invitation-only for operating partners)
Venue: Tin Building, 96 South St, New York, NY
Join us for private networking-style dinners designed exclusively for team leaders, functional specialist and generalist operating partners attending the NY Forum. You will receive an invite to select the dinner that best represents your role:
Heads of Value Creation – Team Leaders Dinner (invitation-only)
GTM, Sales and Revenue Growth Operating Partners Dinner (invitation-only)
Technology and Digital Operating Partners Dinner (invitation-only)
Finance Operating Partners Dinner (invitation-only)
Generalist Operating Partners Dinner (invitation-only)
Supply Chain and Procurement Operating Partners Dinner (invitation-only)
Human Capital Operating Partners Dinner (invitation-only)
Agenda
Day 1 - Convene Brookfield Place, 225 Liberty, New York - Wednesday 29th
Registration
07:30 - 08:30
Registration and breakfast
Think Tank Series 1
07:45 - 08:30
: Think tanks for full-time operating partners: value creation war rooms (invitation-only for operating partners)
These closed-door discussions will allow you to learn and share best practices of successful operating partners with your peers. Please select one of the rooms:
Think Tank 1 Digital and Technology Operating Partners
Think Tank 2 Human Capital/Talent Operating Partners
Think Tank 3 GTM, Sales and Revenue Growth Operating Partners
Think Tank 4 Finance Operating Partners
Think Tank 5 Heads of Value Creation: Team Leaders
Breakfast Deep Dive-Series 1
08:30 - 09:10
Breakfast deep dive discussion 1 (invitation-only for operating partners)
Optimizing and measuring operating partner performance: comparing scorecards
This deep dive breakfast session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated expert facilitators.
08:30 - 09:10
Breakfast deep dive discussion 2 (invitation-only for operating partners)
Operating partner-CEO alignment: dos and don’ts
This deep dive breakfast session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated expert facilitators.
08:30 - 09:10
Breakfast deep dive discussion 3 (invitation-only for operating partners)
Operating partner-CTO synergies to maximize value
This deep dive breakfast session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated expert facilitators.
08:30 - 09:10
Breakfast deep dive discussion 4 (invitation-only for operating partners)
How operating partners align and deliver value creation with CFOs
This deep dive breakfast session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated expert facilitators.
08:30 - 09:10
Breakfast deep dive discussion 5 (invitation-only for operating partners)
Tariff impact analysis: comprehensive strategies to remain resilient
This deep dive breakfast session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated expert facilitators.
Plenary
09:10 - 09:30
PEI’s welcome and chairmen’s opening remarks
Panels
09:30 - 10:10
Panel 1 The legends of value creation — what I wish someone had told me
09:30 - 10:10
Panel 2 Maximizing value creation planning early in the hold period: key steps
10:10 - 10:50
Panel 3 AI’s impact on Operating Partner-Deal team dynamics and the future of PE
10:10 - 10:50
Panel 4 Heads of value creation views: what does excellence looks like in an operating partner and the team?
Break
10:50 - 11:20
Networking Break
Panels Breakout Series 1
11:20 - 12:10
Panel 5 The portco CEO perspective: key considerations for operating partners
11:20 - 12:00
Panel 6 The value of pre-exit value creation to strengthen and refine the investment thesis
12:00 - 12:40
Panel 7 An inside look into the evolution of the operating partner role across the lifecycle
12:00 - 12:40
Panel 8 AI-led value creation in operations: showcasing real AI examples to transform business processes
Interactive Working Group Series 1
12:40 - 13:20
Interactive Working Group 1 (for operating partners only) | Executive recruitment and retention in the current marketplace
This session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
12:40 - 13:20
Interactive Working Group 2 (for operating partners only) | Optimizing your sales, marketing, and customer success processes
This session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
12:40 - 13:20
Interactive Working Group 3 (for operating partners only) | Uncovering how to leverage Agentic AI and its future impact on VCPs
This session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
12:40 - 13:20
Interactive Working Group 4 (for operating partners only) | Driving portco performance in the current economy: dissecting challenges and opportunities
This session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
12:40 - 13:20
Interactive Working Group 5 (for operating partners only) | Operating partner perspectives on how to best create alignment and synergies with investment partners
This session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
Lunch
13:20 - 14:20
Networking Lunch
Functional Lunch Series 1
13:20 - 14:20
Functional lunch discussion 1 (invitation-only for operating partners) | Unlocking advanced pricing strategies: how are you thinking about it?
This closed-door deep dive lunch discussion designed solely for operating partners will focus on strategic areas to enhance value.
13:20 - 14:20
Functional lunch discussion 2 (invitation-only for operating partners) | A deep dive into market dynamics: employee benefits program optimization
This closed-door deep dive lunch discussion designed solely for operating partners will focus on strategic areas to enhance value.
Panels Breakout Series 1
14:20 - 15:00
Track 1 Recruiting and selecting AI talent for your portfolio companies
14:20 - 15:00
Track 2 Bridging the gap: unifying GTM and finance for operational excellence
14:20 - 15:00
Track 3 Cybersecurity case study: CISO-OP alignment and effectiveness
14:20 - 15:00
Track 4 100-day finance value creation playbooks: operating partner recipes
14:20 - 15:00
Track 5 Working with founder-led company CEOs: operating partner insights
Panels Breakout Series 2
15:00 - 15:40
Track 6 Building high-performance teams: alignment, accountability, and results
15:00 - 15:40
Track 7 Personalizing and refining your GTM playbooks
15:00 - 15:40
Track 8 Leveraging AI for the mid-market: firsthand implementations revealed
15:00 - 15:40
Track 9 Office of the CFO optimization: key drivers for M&A and exit readiness success
15:00 - 15:40
Track 10 Optimizing supply chain technology platforms: automation, collaboration, and intelligence
Break
15:40 - 15:50
Coffee Break
Panels Breakout Series 3
15:50 - 16:30
Track 11 Leaders in AI: why firms now need an AI operating partner
15:50 - 16:30
Track 12 Commercial due diligence: strategic groundwork for long-term success
15:50 - 16:30
Track 13 Identifying the data metrics that matter to maximize value at exit
15:50 - 16:30
Track 14 Power pairing: unlocking value through the CTO-CFO partnership
15:50 - 16:30
Track 15 What makes a great supply chain/procurement operating partner: key insights from functional specialists
Panels Breakout Series 4
16:30 - 17:10
Track 16 Leveraging the human capital leader's role in thesis development and diligence
16:30 - 17:10
Track 17 The silent killers of value: addressing revenue leakage and cash flow blind spots
16:30 - 17:10
Track 18 The evolution of 100-day tech value creation playbooks
16:30 - 17:10
Track 19 Executive recruitment and selection of the modern CFO
16:30 - 17:10
Track 20 Value creation for industrials: success stories to drive returns
Interactive Working Group Series 2
17:10 - 17:50
Interactive Working Group 6 (for operating partners only) | The latest on broad-based employee ownership across organizations: comparing results
This session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
17:10 - 17:50
Interactive Working Group 7 (for operating partners only) | Unlocking commercial analytics to drive growth throughout the lifecycle
This session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
17:10 - 17:50
Interactive Working Group 8 (for operating partners only) | Comparing tech and digital operating partner models and ecosystems
This session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
17:10 - 17:50
Interactive Working Group 9 (for operating partners only) | The future finance function: strategic tech initiatives for the office of the CFO
This session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
17:10 - 17:50
Interactive Working Group 10 (for operating partners only) | Sharing notes on key priorities in year one to drive long-term value
This session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
Reception
17:50 - 18:50
End of day one grand reception
End of day one
17:50 - 18:50
End of day one grand reception
Agenda
Day 2 - Convene Brookfield Place, 225 Liberty, New York - Thursday 30th
Registration
07:45 - 08:30
Registration and breakfast
Think Tank Series 2
07:45 - 08:30
: Think tanks for full-time operating partners: value creation war rooms (invitation-only for operating partners)
These closed-door discussions will allow you to learn and share best practices of successful operating partners. Select one of the rooms:
Think Tank 1 New Operating Partners (1-2 years in PE)
Think Tank 2 Advanced Operating Partners (3+ years in PE)
Think Tank 3 Senior Operating Partners (10+ years in PE)
Breakfast Deep-Dive Series 2
08:30 - 09:10
Breakfast deep dive discussion 1 (invitation-only for operating partners) | The evolution and acceleration of change management: operating partner new playbooks
William Bundy,
Jason Phillips
08:30 - 09:10
Breakfast deep dive discussion 2 (invitation-only for operating partners) | The exit edge: actions that unlock 10%+ valuation upside in the last 18 months
This breakfast deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow you to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
08:30 - 09:10
Breakfast deep dive discussion 3 (invitation-only for operating partners) | Operational due diligence in the age of AI: a new paradigm
This breakfast deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow you to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
08:30 - 09:10
Breakfast deep dive discussion 4 (invitation-only for operating partners) | Overcoming barriers: how operating partners unlock and deliver digital transformations swiftly
This breakfast deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow you to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
08:30 - 09:10
Breakfast deep dive discussion 5 (invitation-only for operating partners) | An inside look into the future of operating partner models and team structures
This breakfast deep dive discussion designed solely for operating partners will allow you to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
Plenary
09:15 - 09:20
Chairman’s welcome
09:20 - 10:00
The rise of the operating partner in PE: what does the future hold?
10:00 - 10:40
LP views of the operating partner and value creation in private equity
Break
10:40 - 11:00
Networking break
Plenary
11:00 - 11:40
Perspectives on the modern CEO: what great looks like through the eyes of the operating partner
11:40 - 12:20
Investment partner perspectives: dos and don’ts for operating partners
Break
12:20 - 12:30
Break
Interactive Working Groups Series 3
12:30 - 13:10
Interactive Working Group 11 (for operating partners only) | Management team performance and assessments across the investment lifecycle
This session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
12:30 - 13:10
Interactive Working Group 12 (for operating partners only)| The power of data science to accelerate value across the lifecycle
This session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
12:30 - 13:10
Interactive Working Group 13 (for operating partners only) | Leveraging AI as a key component of your commercial strategy
12:30 - 13:10
Interactive Working Group 14 (for operating partners only) | How operating partners collaborate across functions to deliver the VCP: sharing what’s real and actionable
12:30 - 13:10
Interactive Working Group 15 (for operating partners only) | Mastering your role as an operating partner on boards
This session designed solely for operating partners will allow the audience to join an interactive discussion with designated facilitators.
Lunch
13:10 - 14:10
Networking Lunch
Functional Lunch Series 2
13:10 - 14:10
Functional lunch discussion 3 (invitation-only for operating partners) | The future of cybersecurity: playbooks to enhance and protect in the AI era
This closed-door deep dive lunch discussion designed solely for operating partners will focus on strategic areas to enhance value.
13:10 - 14:10
Functional lunch discussion 4 (invitation-only for operating partners) | The modern CRO: skills and traits of commercial leaders to unlock value
This closed-door deep dive lunch discussion designed solely for operating partners will focus on strategic areas to enhance value.
13:10 - 14:10
Women in PE value creation lunch (invitation-only for operating partners)
This closed-door lunch discussion will explore what it’s like being a woman in PE portfolio operations.
Survey Results
14:10 - 14:30
PEI presents the 2nd annual operating partners compensation survey results
Discover the latest figures in operating partner compensation for 2025 across functional areas, models, AUM, seniority levels, and more.
End of conference
14:30 - 14:30
Closing remarks and end of conference
Build your operating partner community
Expand your relationships and build a lasting network with our operating partner exclusive networking events.
Connect with leaders in value creation to share ideas, solve challenges, and benchmark strategies that will level up your day-to-day operations.
Operating Partners Forum New York Welcome Reception (invitation-only)
Tuesday, October 28
Gitano NYC
Exchange valuable insights with your peers in a relaxed setting and build your connections before the conference kicks off.
Operating Partners Forum New York Networking Dinners (invitation-only)
Tuesday, October 28
Tin Building
Join us for one of seven private sit-down dinners, split by functional area, designed exclusively for operating partners attending the Forum.
Day 1 Grand Reception
Wednesday, October 29
Our grand reception will allow you to chat and get to know your operating partner peers at the end of the first day of the Forum. Hear what is on everyone’s mind after a full day of valuable insights.
Breakfast Discussions
Thursday, October 30
Share your views and learn from peers about specific value creation levers in five intimate discussions exclusively for operating partners.
Lunch Discussions
Wednesday and Thursday, October 29-30
These closed-door conversations, exclusively for operating partners, will explore key strategies for your portcos and PE firms to enhance value.
Sessions designed for collaboration
Think Tanks
Put your heads together with other operating partners to examine niche areas of value creation. With crowd-sourced discussion topics, these peer-led sessions will provide personalized takeaways.
Interactive Working Groups
Hear how your peers are navigating specific value creation levers. These interactive discussions, facilitated by our expert speaking faculty, will provide a closer look at specific cross-functional topics.
Pre-Event Resources
For speaking opportunities, contact Marc Mele at marc.m@pei.group or call +1 646 581 9295.
Engage with the largest operating partner community
Private Equity International’s Operating Partners Forums are a unique blend of networking, collaboration, and thought leadership between private equity operating partners, portfolio operations teams, and sponsors.
Each event is custom designed to encourage conversation about value creation best practices, relationship building, and knowledge sharing across functional areas on the most pressing issues facing investment and portfolio companies. Access to the Forum is limited to value creation experts from private equity firms and sponsors.
For more information on ways to engage with PEI’s Operating Partners community, please contact Lawrence Dvorchik at lawrence.d@pei.group or call on +1 (646) 545-4429
