Private equity firms are rethinking their advisor models. Strategy alone isn’t enough — they want doers, not just thinkers. Here’s why boutique, hands-on advisors are gaining ground and how Creston fits that mold.
Strategy is no longer enough. Today’s private equity operating partners are redefining what it means to support a portfolio. The shift? Less theory, more execution. Here’s what’s driving the change — and how forward-thinking firms are adapting:
1. Value Creation is Getting Harder
Traditional levers like cost takeout and revenue synergies are harder to pull in a high-rate, low-multiple environment. Investors need partners who can execute fast, not just advise.
2. Playbooks Need Practitioners
Generic value creation plans don’t move the needle. Firms are now embedding operating executives and calling on specialized advisors who can co-lead initiatives — not just write frameworks.
3. Execution Gaps Are Risking Returns
From stalled integrations to underwhelming technology investments, gaps in execution are now showing up in IRR. The delta between high and low-performing portfolio companies often comes down to who owns execution.
4. The Rise of Boutique, Embedded Advisors
PE firms are building networks of boutique firms with deep specialization — firms like Creston Advisory — who can embed with management teams, drive cross-functional initiatives, and deliver on the ground.
5. Board Expectations Are Rising
Boards and LPs are demanding more transparency and faster progress. Execution-first advisors are now a critical part of portfolio governance, providing real-time insights and measurable outcomes.
Creston Advisory is built for this model. We don’t just consult — we co-own outcomes. Whether it’s a 100-day plan, a digital carve-out, or a cross-functional integration, we bring the rigor and speed PE firms need to win.
