The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association is searching for a replacement for Simon Walker, the chief executive who has helmed the trade association since November 2007.
“Simon has indicated he will be leaving in 2011,” a spokesman confirmed, “but as yet no date has been set. A search for his replacement has been started but with no particular urgency.”
The search is being conducted by headhunting firm Odgers Berndtson, whose board- and CEO-focused recruitment practice is led by former UK minister Virginia Bottomley. Bottomley did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Walker also oversaw the creation of buyout and mid-market private equity committees within the BVCA to better represent private equity members operating in different market segments.
Prior to joining the BVCA, the South African-born Walker spent four years working for Reuters in corporate communications and marketing. He was also a special advisor in the prime minister’s policy unit between 1996 and 1997 and worked for public relations firms Brunswick and Hill & Knowlton.
The European Private Equity & Venture Capital Association is also searching for a new leader. Its secretary general, Javier Echarri, has said he plans to leave by year’s end.