The Role of the NXD in a Private Equity or Angel Backed Company | Non-executive Director Programme Series

The outlook for the private equity (PE) industry in the UK in 2023 and beyond appears to be positive. Whilst the industry will face challenges, including the potential for interest rate rises and increased competition, investor firms are, nevertheless, expected to continue to make significant investments in UK businesses. They will play a key role in helping the country grow in the years ahead.

This presents an opportunity for NXDs to play an important role in scaling these businesses, whether they are start-ups or larger more established organisations. Whilst there are many similarities, the dynamics of a PE backed company, the challenges faced and skills and experience required can vary from the listed markets.

In this session Mark leads us through the opportunities for the NXD in this sector. He outlines the differences between PE and angel investment, being an NXD and Chair across minority and majority investors and the implications these raise for NXDs.

We look at many issues that an NXD will face, including the 100-day plan, creating value enhancement, managing change, fundraising, M&A and distressed situations.

Guest speaker bio

Mark Kerr

After graduating in Maths and Statistics from The University of Glasgow and a Diploma in Actuarial Maths from Heriot-Watt University, Mark worked as an Actuary in Scotland and Spain with Scottish Provident. In 1995, after completing an MBA at Strathclyde Graduate Business School, he joined 3i plc where he spent the next 15 years in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Cambridge, investing in a range of sectors including healthcare, software, industrials and energy. In 2012, he moved to Lloyds Development Capital where he was responsible for sourcing, executing and managing their investments across Scotland. Investments included Ramco, CMS Enviro, PDG Helicopters, Duncan & Todd, Guardian Technologies, Darcy Technologies and Commsworld.

For more information on the Programme including the other sessions in the series, please visit the Non-executive Director Programme overview.