Chair and CEO

Investment Management firm, Downing, approached Compass Carter Osborne’s Senior Partner, Luke Osborne, to support with two executive appointments in the form of a Chair, and CEO for a Nurseries business in their portfolio.

Reason and Purpose

Downing had recently made a strategic acquisition of an early years education provider in South West London, which served as the springboard to launch the newly created group: Chalk Nursery Group. In order to realise ambitious growth plans, an experienced leadership team comprising both a Chief Executive, and Chair, were required to drive business success.

Why Compass Carter Osborne?

The Compass Carter Osborne team have provided a number of executive search services for Downing, having placed CEOs, Chairs, and NEDs at board level, as well as a number of executive leadership positions in the form of COOs and Managing Director placements. The trust, track record of delivery, and intricate networks of exceptional talent with established backgrounds working for private equity backed businesses cemented the decision to mandate the team with the search.

Search Process and Methodology

Following a thorough search process drawing on CCO’s established network in the early years space; referrals; and wider market mapping, a strong longlist of candidates was presented to Downing. A thorough assessment then followed, and a shortlist of candidates presented to the team for interview.

Sinead Johnson was appointed CEO, while Chris Jessop has stepped into the role of Chair. Both will drive the company’s growth strategy, which has already seen two acquisitions since the summer.

Sinead brings extensive expertise in early years education and a deep understanding of delivering exceptional care and education. Prior to this venture, Sinead held senior leadership roles in several nursery groups, including Kidsunlimited and Asquith Nurseries, and spent three years in the leisure sector at David Lloyd Clubs. Most recently, she was with All About Children, where she led the company’s 2022 sale to the Dutch private equity-backed childcare group, Partou.

Chris is a highly experienced healthcare CEO and Chair. He has held previous board roles as Chair of ABL Health, The Vet and Optima Health and was a NED at Ascenti. He previously sat on the Executive Board of Nuffield Health and was a divisional CEO at both Bupa and AXA Health.

Client testimonial:

“I am thrilled that Sinead will lead the growth of Chalk with Chris’s support. Compass Carter Osborne understood our ambition and goals for the platform, they presented an exciting shortlist, and together we were able to put in place an experienced and talented leadership team that shares our vision. There are exciting opportunities in front of us and now is the right time for investment in and support of early years.

Sinead and Chris are terrific leaders and bring significant experience that will be critical to our future growth and success. Along with the rest of the board, I look forward to supporting Sinead and Chris as Downing’s award-winning Development Capital team partners with exceptional management teams to help realise their growth ambitions and maximise potential of their business by providing flexible funding solutions, strategic support and access to its networks.”

Jon Simon, Investment Director – Downing