ACE PROGRAM
ACE Program Overview
The Access Creating Executives (“ACE”) Program immerses high potential individuals into Access’ platform companies with the goal of creating the next generation of Access-backed executives. ACEs are hired directly by platform companies and work directly with, and learn from, the C-suite of their respective companies. They engage on a variety of efforts, tackling operational, growth, and strategic initiatives. We recognize that our platform companies often start small and need support, and specific skillsets, to scale into market leaders. We believe our ACEs play a pivotal role in advancing our companies through the arc of business building.
To support the continued advancement of our ACEs, Access provides mentorship and tailored training conducted by business professors, business thought leaders, and Access team members. As ACEs advance their leadership and business skills through real world experience as well as in the classroom, they will have the opportunity to join the executive ranks at their company or another Access platform.
The ACE Journey
Access recruits individuals that demonstrate the requisite drive, curiosity, and analytical horsepower to advance our platform companies into industry leaders. These high potential individuals are hired directly by Access platform companies where they are responsible for driving key value creation initiatives. In addition to this hands-on experience in a rapid growth environment, ACEs receive training on pertinent business topics to broaden the breadth of their skillset and knowledge base. Additionally, ACEs will have the opportunity to build relationships across the Access ecosystem while participating in the Access Annual Leadership Summit and the Access Investor Summit. ACEs have the opportunity to elevate into executive-level positions within their company and across the broader Access ecosystem once they consistently demonstrate the necessary competencies, capabilities, and leadership skills.
Program Benefits
EXPERIENCE
ACEs receive hands-on experience in a high-paced environment, addressing key company initiatives.
TRAINING
ACEs participate in four training sessions yearly to enhance their knowledge and capabilities. Two in person training sessions are led by prominent business school professors and two virtual sessions are led by the Access Value Creation team
MENTORSHIP
ACEs receive valuable guidance and career mentorship from the Access team and their executive leaders
PEER NETWORK
ACEs are encouraged to build a valuable network across the Access ecosystem, including their counterparts at other Access companies, portfolio company leaders, and the Access team
Tracks
ACEs pursue one of five tracks:
Program Curriculum and Training
ACEs participate in four training sessions yearly to enhance their knowledge and capabilities. The Access Value Creation team leads two sessions, and two are led by prominent business school professors
The Search ACE (SA) Program
is a transformative initiative designed for entrepreneurial and investment professionals seeking to lead an investment thesis through platform sourcing, deal execution, and platform build / growth initiatives. SAs are empowered by the Access Acceleration Center, supported with junior deal staff, and mentored by senior deal leadership. The Program is designed to cultivate talent, foster career growth, and accelerate the business building skillsets for participants. This innovative program offers a structured pathway for professionals at various stages of their careers.
Program Overview: The Search ACE Program focuses on identifying and nurturing exceptional talent to drive our investment strategies and enhance portfolio performance. Participants, who can apply via our website or come from within our ACE program or one OF our portfolio companies, will engage in hands-on learning experiences, collaborating with industry leaders and gaining exposure to the full spectrum of the Access research, deal execution, and operationally-oriented value creation processes. Our program emphasizes mentorship, strategic thinking, curiosity, and the development of essential skills necessary for success in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
Career Opportunities:
Senior Executive Search ACE Pathway:
As a Senior Executive Search ACE, you’ll have the autonomy to lead with the backing of Access’ proven playbook. Execute an investment strategy with support from our lead generation capabilities, hire a team with the support of our in-house talent team, and connect with other CEOs and executives as you navigate your business decisions. This is an opportunity to partner with us to find your next business to build.
Mid-Level Search ACE Pathway
The mid-level Search ACE pathway identifies and empowers entrepreneurial investment professionals to be a founding executive of an Access investment thesis. It targets talented individuals who want to build an enduring business with Access, while growing professionally and learning the Access Way. This path includes an In-Residence period, during which one takes on multiple Access researched and vetted investment theses, drives sourcing and deal execution, and then moves into the Operator period, where they become an ACE embedded in the business responsible for owning and driving value creation and growth initiatives. This pathway offers a unique pathway for operationally-minded investment professionals who aspire to become C-suite executives. Play a crucial role in driving business growth strategies and leading M&A activities. Opportunities exist to advance to Senior Executive roles, the Access Investment Team, as well as additional opportunities across the Access ecosystem.
Junior Search ACE Pathway
The Junior Search ACE path is designed for experienced junior investment professionals who are ready to take the next step in their careers. This path identifies and empowers entrepreneurial individuals to become integral members of investment strategies supporting the Senior Executive Search ACEs. Junior Search ACEs will support deal development (hunting, sourcing, lead follow-up), deal execution, and post transaction value creation and growth initiatives. This path has an In-Residence period followed by an Operator period in which they will become an ACE at the business owning and driving key functions and initiatives. This pathway offers a unique opportunity for operationally-minded professionals to get critical deal development and execution experience in addition to building an operator toolkit. This opportunity will enable you to shape impactful business growth strategies, support M&A activities, and advance your career within the Access ecosystem.
ACE Candidate Highlight
MATT SHIPMAN
PRESIDENT
OASIS MARINAS
Matt joined the ACE program in November 2021
Prior Experience at Finch, McKinsey & Co., and the United States Navy
ACE Candidate Highlight
GEOFF KALAN
CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER
PLAYFLY SPORTS
GEOFF JOINED THE ACE PROGRAM IN SEPTEMBER 2020
PRIOR EXPERIENCE AT LAZARD AND AVASCENT