Services
Interim CEO/Executive Chairman
Step directly into your C-suite to provide immediate, decisive leadership during critical transitions, turnarounds, or aggressive growth phases. Full P&L responsibility, board reporting, and complete operational authority.
Typical Engagement: 6-24 months, with clear success metrics and exit strategy defined upfront.
What You Get:
Immediate executive presence and leadership
Comprehensive operational assessment (first 30 days)
Strategic roadmap with quick wins and long-term initiatives
Daily operational management and decision-making
Stakeholder communication (investors, board, employees)
Team stabilization and performance optimization
Smooth transition to permanent leadership
Private Equity Operating Partner
Extend your firm's capabilities with 30+ years of operational expertise in consumer products, outdoor gear, and lifestyle brands. From deal sourcing through value creation to exit, partner with an executive who's delivered 30%+ returns consistently.
What You Get:
Deal sourcing and opportunity evaluation
Operational due diligence and risk assessment
100-day value creation plans
Portfolio company board representation
Interim operating roles when needed
Add-on acquisition strategy and execution
Exit readiness and buyer positioning
Operational Turnaround & Restructuring
Extend your firm's capabilities with 30+ years of operational expertise in consumer products, outdoor gear, and lifestyle brands. From deal sourcing through value creation to exit, partner with an executive who's delivered 30%+ returns consistently.
What You Get:
30-day diagnostic and stabilization plan
Cash flow optimization and working capital management
Cost structure rationalization
Manufacturing footprint optimization
Organization restructuring and right-sizing
Vendor and customer relationship stabilization
Leadership team rebuild and cultural transformation
M&A Strategy & Integration
From identifying the right targets to capturing day-one synergies, bring M&A expertise that's closed 15+ transactions across multiple geographies. Not just financial engineering—operational integration that delivers promised value.
What You Get:
Strategic acquisition target identification
Commercial and operational due diligence
Deal structure and negotiation support
Integration planning (pre-close)
Day 1-100 integration execution
Synergy capture and value realization
Cultural integration and team alignment
EBITDA Growth & Margin Expansion
Your investors want results. Systematic approach to revenue growth and margin improvement through operational excellence, not just cost-cutting. Focus on sustainable, profitable growth.
What You Get:
Revenue growth strategy and execution
Pricing optimization and product mix
Manufacturing efficiency improvements
Supply chain cost reduction
SKU rationalization and portfolio optimization
Channel strategy and distribution expansion
Operational KPIs and performance management
International Operations & Sourcing
Real international experience—not just theory. Lived and operated businesses in Italy, Hong Kong, Germany, and the United States. Built sourcing networks, established subsidiaries, and managed multi-country manufacturing.
Global Footprint: Fluent in 4 languages; established sourcing offices in Asia; managed $80M cross-border operations.
What You Get:
Asian sourcing strategy and vendor selection
Manufacturing location optimization
International subsidiary establishment
Global supply chain design
Cross-border partnership development
Market entry strategy and execution
Multi-cultural team management
Strategic Board Advisory
Independent board member bringing operational perspective to strategic decision-making. Active engagement, not passive oversight. Challenge assumptions, ask the right questions, and drive accountability.
Board Experience: Current and former board roles with International EZ UP, Sunny Health, Gathr Outdoors, and 15+ portfolio companies
What You Get:
Strategic planning and oversight
CEO performance coaching
M&A evaluation and approval
Financial performance monitoring
Risk management and compliance
Succession planning
Investor relations and stakeholder management
Generational Passage
Transitioning leadership to the next generation is one of the most critical decisions a business owner will make. With over 25 years of executive experience across multiple successful transitions, I guide families and businesses through this complex process. My approach ensures continuity while positioning the business for future growth.
Board Experience: At Bravo Sports, I navigated the company through three consecutive ownership changes, each time being asked to remain as CEO/President to ensure seamless transitions and increased value.
What You Get:
Assessment of next-generation readiness and leadership development plans
Transition roadmaps that protect company culture while driving innovation
Role and responsibility structures that leverage both generations' strengths
Governance frameworks that balance family dynamics with business needs
Hands-on mentoring for successor leadership through critical first years
Strategic guidance to ensure operational continuity and future growth
Founder Divest/Retire
After building your business, you deserve an exit strategy that maximizes value while honoring your legacy. I specialize in helping founders navigate the complex journey from operator to successful exit.
Whether you're considering retirement, pursuing new ventures, or simply ready for the next chapter, I bring both the operational credibility and M&A expertise to help you achieve the exit you've earned. My track record includes identifying buyers, executing transactions, and ensuring smooth transitions that benefit all stakeholders.
What You Get:
Business valuation and positioning for maximum sale value
Identification and vetting of potential buyers (strategic or private equity)
Comprehensive preparation for due diligence processes
Expert negotiation of deal structures aligned with your goals
Transition period management to ensure deal success
Post-exit planning for legacy preservation and next chapter
Services That Drive Results
Not just consulting. Hands-on executive leadership with full accountability.
Leonardo Pais
International CEO & Executive Chairman
Specialized in operational turnarounds, EBITDA growth, and M&A execution for mid-market companies and private equity portfolio businesses.
Expertise
Consumer Products
Lifestyle Brands
Manufacturing & Operations
International Business
Outdoor & Sporting Goods
Languages
English | Italian | German | French
Global Experience
Italy | Hong Kong | Germany | United States