CEO Through Acquisition

Program Overview

Novastone Capital Advisors (NCA) is a global firm that solves succession challenges faced by Small to Medium‑Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Through the Operator‑Led Buyout (OLBO) Program, NCA provides a structured, scalable solution for business succession, enabling partners to search, acquire, and lead a small or medium‑sized enterprise as Chief Executive Officer. Candidates will conduct a professional search of up to 24 months to acquire a U.S. company (excluding start‑ups or scale‑ups) and will receive base compensation plus vested shares in the acquired business.

Operator Responsibilities

• Establish, together with NCA, a search process aimed at generating sufficient deal flow to meet pre‑defined acquisition criteria.
• Manage the acquisition process with support from NCA’s Investment Management team.
• Assume the CEO role of the newly acquired business.
• Proactively generate and evaluate strategic growth options and business opportunities; develop long‑term strategy and 100‑day plans.
• Grow top‑line revenue through impactful marketing and sales initiatives.
• Review product/service offerings, portfolio strategies, and brand positioning; identify gaps and implement improvements.
• Manage geographical expansions and execute market‑entry strategies when required.
• Drive operational efficiency and ensure profitable growth.

Must‑Have Requirements

• 15 + years of professional experience, including at least 5 years in leadership roles with full P&L responsibility.
• Academic achievement (Executive MBA or MBA degree preferred).
• 10 + years of proven track record of running and growing businesses or business units in the United States.
• Strong motivation toward entrepreneurship.
• Fluent English.
• Deep expertise and/or strategic vision in one or more of the following sectors/industries:
  • Business Services
  • Healthcare Services
  • Niche Manufacturing
  • Software / Tech‑Enabled Businesses
  • Distribution & Logistics

Nice‑to‑Have Requirements

• M&A experience.
• Consulting experience from a top consulting firm.
• Experience managing and operating an SME.
• Owner, Founder, or Co‑Founder of a start‑up.
• Experience in global business development or international expansion.
• Recent successful business transformation experience.
• Open mind toward learning, people, and even failure.

Selection Process

All applications are reviewed personally by the NCA team—no automated or AI‑based screening. Selected candidates undergo multiple in‑depth interviews, online assessments, stakeholder meetings, and a business‑case assignment over several weeks. Informative webinars are provided to help candidates learn about the program and meet the NCA team. The final Assessment Center with the jury takes place in November 2026.