Top 5 Talent Trends in Private Equity for 2025

As dealmaker confidence continues to surge, we are optimistic that 2025 will be a strong year for investors, transactions, and fundraising. In this bullish market, investors seeking to optimize growth must remain focused on talent.  

As we look ahead to 2025, the war for talent will continue evolving at high velocity. The constant remains: Having the right leaders is the critical differentiator for achieving maximum value creation.   

These are 5 emerging talent trends for 2025:  

1. Amassing Industry Expertise 

Gaining a competitive edge during thesis development can yield differentiated returns. Top investors continue to find creative ways to add impactful expertise to their teams. Whether they tap into former CEOs or industry leaders, conversations with an external “Board” of experts will enable shrewd investors to gain deep functional and industry insights. Access to this expertise can be leveraged to create a thesis, Board of Directors, Advisory Board and/or executive team which stands out within a competitive landscape.  

2. Operating Partner Role Expansion 

With 82% of Operating Partners reporting involvement throughout the entire lifecycle of an investment, in 2025, we expect this position to grow. As PE firms continue to invest in their value creation teams and construct more sophisticated, data-driven processes, Operating Partners will play an increasingly valuable role, helping firms navigate operational challenges and pushing leadership teams to reach performance milestones. 

3. Leading in a Hybrid Workforce  

Recent studies indicate that companies with RTO (return to office) mandates are experiencing higher turnover rates among senior talent, decreased hiring rates, and longer times to fill seats, which are all detrimental to value creation cycles. Unsurprisingly, over 50% of businesses today are operating with a hybrid workforce, which requires leaders with proven experience managing in-person, remote, and combined teams. To recruit this talent in 2025, hiring managers should seek out candidates with strong interpersonal skills, technological proficiency, and the ability to navigate complex communication dynamics. 

4. Tech Savvy Executive Hires 

Across industries, the impact of technology shows no signs of slowing. In a recent study, over 70% of businesses reported using AI in at least one business function. From sales and marketing to HR, finance, and operations, to be successful, today’s executives must be technologically literate with the ability to rapidly vet and integrate new tools for the betterment of the business. 

5. AI-Enabled Recruiting 

AI is likewise transforming how talent is recruited. Beyond assessing proficiency, AI tools are being leveraged to drive efficiency, from predictive analytics that help evaluate candidate fit to improving communication and automating scheduling. Leveraging emerging AI technology into existing talent acquisition processes will be necessary and impactful in finding and assessing the right talent. 

 As 2025 unfolds, talent will remain at the heart of value creation in private equity. By staying ahead of emerging trends—from expanding Operating Partner roles to embracing AI-driven recruiting—investors will position themselves a step ahead of the competition. The right leaders will continue to be the defining factor in unlocking growth and maximizing returns.