For the fourth year running, Heidrick & Struggles invited executives working in Europe and Africa’s private capital industry to participate in an online compensation survey.

We received 454 responses from executives across the private equity (PE) value chain, including those who raise and retain capital, those who invest capital, and those who work to improve returns, as well as CFOs, general counsels, and CHROs of the funds.

Nearly 50% of respondents reported base salary increases between 2015 and 2016—a 7% decrease from last year, representing a continuing decline. However, we continue to see an increase in compensation throughout the industry, at all experience levels, consistent with the overall picture since 2013.

About the authors

Tom Thackeray (tthackeray@heidrick.com) is an associate principal in Heidrick & Struggles’ London office and a member of the Private Equity Practice.

Richard Thackray is an alumnus of Heidrick & Struggles’ London office. 

Kanika Walia (kwalia@kmcresearch.com) is a senior research analyst in Heidrick & Struggles’ Gurgaon office.