Managing Director/Head - Private Equity

Overview

A global private equity firm is seeking a Head of Private Equity to lead its private equity investment activities across global markets. Based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, this is a senior leadership appointment carrying full responsibility for originating, executing, and managing private equity investments, while contributing directly to the firm\'s overall investment strategy and portfolio construction framework.

The successful candidate will join a highly sophisticated investment team with significant capital deployment capacity across a broad range of sectors and geographies. This role offers meaningful influence over strategy, team development, and external representation at the most senior levels of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the sourcing, evaluation, execution, and monitoring of private equity investments on a global basis.
• Develop and implement the private equity investment strategy in alignment with broader portfolio objectives.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with General Partners, investment banks, advisors, corporates, and industry stakeholders.
• Lead comprehensive due diligence processes, encompassing commercial, financial, operational, legal, and ESG assessments.
• Oversee financial modelling, valuation analysis, investment committee materials, and transaction negotiations.
• Manage direct investments, co-investments, secondary opportunities, and fund commitments.
• Monitor portfolio company performance and engage with management teams and boards where appropriate.
• Provide investment recommendations to senior management and investment committees on new opportunities and portfolio management decisions.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing investment team.
• Maintain a current and deep understanding of global private equity markets, sector trends, and macroeconomic developments.
• Represent the organisation externally with investors, fund managers, advisors, and portfolio companies.
  
  

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor\'s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related discipline; MBA, CFA, or equivalent postgraduate qualification preferred.
• 15 or more years of relevant experience within private equity, principal investing, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, investment management, or investment banking.
• Demonstrated track record of leading and executing complex private equity transactions across multiple sectors and geographies.
• Experience managing significant pools of capital and building diversified investment portfolios.
• Strong financial modelling, valuation, and transaction execution capabilities.
• Deep network across the global private equity ecosystem, including GPs, advisors, intermediaries, and corporate stakeholders.
• Proven experience leading investment professionals and managing high-performing teams.
• Strong commercial judgement, investment acumen, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Prior exposure to emerging markets and international investing is highly advantageous.
  
  

Why This Role Stands Out

This position offers a rare opportunity to take full ownership of a private equity function within a global private equity firm that operates with substantial capital across diverse geographies and sectors. The role carries genuine strategic influence, a platform to build and lead a team, and direct engagement with the most senior decision-makers within the organisation. Abu Dhabi\'s position as a growing hub for institutional capital makes this an especially compelling opportunity for a senior investment professional with international ambitions.

Application Process

This search is being managed by global private equity firm. Interested candidates should apply through the relevant listing or contact the global private equity firm team directly. Given the seniority of the role, all applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.

About Senna

Senna is a careers platform for professionals pursuing opportunities in private equity. The platform brings together relevant roles, market context, and hiring signals to help candidates navigate the market with greater clarity. For more information, visit joinsenna.com.