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CIO &  Transformation

As a seasoned CIO and Transformation Director, Richard Keenlyside brings over three decades of executive leadership in IT strategy, business transformation, and digital innovation, specifically tailored to the rigorous demands of private equity firms. With experience across more than 15 global mergers and acquisitions, Richard excels in delivering robust private equity technology due diligence, post-merger integration, and strategic IT transformation that de-risks investments and accelerates portfolio value creation

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CIO Services for Private Equity Technology Diligence

Trusted CIO Expertise in Private Equity Environments

Richard has partnered with numerous private equity and venture capital firms, providing CIO-led technology due diligence that ensures a clear understanding of the IT landscape, infrastructure scalability, cybersecurity posture, data governance, and digital maturity of target companies. These insights are instrumental in identifying both risk factors and opportunities for improvement pre- and post-acquisition.

 

His work spans across sectors including retail, manufacturing, logistics, financial services, engineering, and utilities. Richard’s pragmatic yet visionary approach supports investors through the entire deal lifecycle — from target evaluation to strategic carve-outs and value enhancement.

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Comprehensive Technology Due Diligence for Private Equity

Richard’s technology due diligence engagements deliver a full-spectrum evaluation across the following:

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  • IT Infrastructure & Architecture: Assessing scalability, resilience, and legacy risk.

  • Cybersecurity Posture: Identifying vulnerabilities and compliance gaps.

  • ERP & Core Systems Review: Evaluating platforms such as SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Fusion, NetSuite, Microsoft D365, and INFOR CloudSuite.

  • Digital Maturity & Innovation Potential: Exploring opportunities for automation, AI, and cloud-native transformation.

  • Data Management & Governance: Ensuring reliable, secure, and actionable insights across the enterprise.

  • IT Operating Model Readiness: Evaluating the scalability of people, process, and tools.

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These findings are consolidated into investor-ready reports with clear recommendations and integration strategies.

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Private Equity M&A Integration and Value Creation

Beyond due diligence, Richard supports successful post-merger integration (PMI) with a strong focus on:

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  • Establishing future-ready IT operating models

  • Aligning digital strategy with investment theses

  • Driving cost reduction through outsourcing, automation, and rationalisation

  • Enhancing service delivery and IT governance

  • Reducing technology debt and optimising systems

 

His recent work includes leading carve-outs, supporting

investment readiness, and defining digital blueprints for mid-cap industrials and high-growth consumer brands — enabling EBITDA growth and preparing businesses for successful exit.

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Track Record of Excellence

  • Associate CIO Advisor at a leading PE Technology Consultancy: Advised top-tier investors across Europe and the US on digital and IT due diligence engagements.

  • M&A IT Strategy for Manufacturing Group: Defined technology architecture and roadmaps post-acquisition, consolidating 21 business units across six countries.

  • Carve-Out Evaluation for Automotive Sector: Delivered an IT options paper for divestment readiness, assessing SAP transition strategies and cloud ERP alternatives.

  • Board Advisor for a F&B Brand: Supported PE-backed digital transformation, reducing IT costs by £0.7m and increasing turnover via digital channels.

  • ERP and Data Integration Leader: Led post-deal transformation for a global footwear brand with a £14m budget, aligning systems across three continents.

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Specialist in ERP, Data, and Cyber Due Diligence

Richard is a subject matter expert in ERP and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), with in-depth knowledge of SAP S/4HANA, Oracle, Manhattan, NetSuite, and Microsoft D365. His vendor-agnostic advice ensures solutions align with business scalability, not just technical performance.

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In today’s cyber-sensitive investment landscape, Richard’s due diligence includes extensive cybersecurity audits — ensuring risks are identified and mitigated early. His guidance extends to GDPR compliance, data privacy, and secure integration planning.

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CIO Services for Private Equity Technology Diligence | Richard Keenlyside

CIO Private Equity Technology Diligence


Why Richard Keenlyside?

  • 30+ Years of CIO & Transformation Leadership

  • £120M+ Budgets Managed Globally

  • 600+ Staff Teams Led Across EMEA, APAC, and US

  • Multiple Cross-Border M&A Engagements

  • Recognised Author & Industry Speaker on IT Transformation

 

Richard Keenlyside is a trusted advisor for private equity technology diligence, delivering insight, execution, and results. Whether preparing a business for acquisition, navigating a carve-out, or accelerating post-deal value creation, Richard is the CIO partner you need.

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To learn more about Richard’s availability for CIO advisory, IT due diligence, or transformation leadership in your next transaction, please get in touch.

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