CEO - PORTFOLIO SEARCH - AEROSPACE & DEFENSE/MANUFACTURING - USA
March 21, 2022
The Appointed Executive
Chief Executive Officer
Paul Burton is a highly accomplished executive with extensive experience in private equity-backed businesses, specializing in operational transformations, strategic planning, and M&A. As President and CEO of Cincinnati Fan, he successfully transitioned the company from a privately-owned business to a professionally managed, growth-focused organization. Under his leadership, revenue doubled from $35M to $70M through organic growth, new product launches, and acquisitions. He also restructured the executive team, strengthened company culture, and positioned the business for long-term success, ultimately leading to its $145M sale to SPX Corporation.
Prior to Cincinnati Fan, Paul led operational and financial turnarounds at Mid Valley Industries and Remmele Engineering, driving EBITDA growth and facilitating successful exits. Earlier in his career, he transformed DynaBil Industries (later Ducommun AeroStructures), improving sales and operational efficiency ahead of a strategic sale. At Plug Power Inc., he spearheaded cost reductions and product development initiatives, helping to commercialize fuel cell technology. Across multiple industries, Paul has demonstrated a consistent ability to scale businesses, execute strategic acquisitions, and lead companies through high-value transitions.
100%+
The increase of revenue at a prior role
Exit
Had successfully prior completed a sale transaction to a strategic buyer delivering 13.7x EBITDA multiple
REASON FOR THE SEARCH
The Private Equity firm is currently in the process of closing the acquisition of MSI and they want to bring a PE-backed CEO to lead the business.
THE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM
Calvert Street Capital Partners
THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY
MSI, or Machine Specialties, Inc., is a company specializing in contract machining, designing and manufacturing precision parts for various businesses. The company focuses on complex metal finishing services and operates as a precision machining specialist selling into the aerospace and defense sector.
THE SEARCH REQUIREMENTS
- Operational experience
- Machined Components experience
- Multi-site experience
- Good sales and commercial sense
- Understand the Military and Commercial markets
- Good financial acumen
- Private equity experience
- $40Mn+ revenue managed
- M&A experience
OUR THOUGHTS ON THE CANDIDATE
Paul Burton was an exceptional fit for MSI, the portfolio company of Calvert Street Capital. Paul had extensive experience with machining and fabrication businesses, working in a PE-backed environment.
Paul has a strong track record of exits, having completed 4 sales to private equity and 1 to a family office. He has the experience of doubling revenue in his previous role and, having completed an exit, was ready for his next PE-backed role.
Alex Rawlings, Managing Partner at Raw Selection
GET IN TOUCH
If you are looking for new talent, please get in contact with Alex, Managing Partner, today, at alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com or with Jack Burns, Principal, at jack.burns@raw-selection.com
Get in Touch
Raw Selection favors a meticulous approach to talent research. Our process for selecting the right talent means we can boast a 100% success rate for all our retained and engaged C-Suite clients, with 96% of placed candidates still in their roles after 12 months.
If you are looking for new talent, contact us now.
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