Hugh Lloyd Ellis named new private equity leader for PwC

PwC has appointed Hugh Lloyd Ellis to lead its private equity transactions services in the UK. He takes the roll following a 15-year spell with the consultancy.  

PwC’s transactions services team helps companies make acquisitions, divestitures and strategic alliances, and to access the global capital markets. As the firm looks to support private equity firms maximise the returns on their investments – amid a booming market for private equity M&A activity – it has announced a new leader for the private equity wing of its transactions team.

Hugh Lloyd Ellis has worked at PwC for over 15 years, including two years spent with the Hong Kong firm, supporting clients through the deals process as a Partner in transactions services. This has seen him work across multiple sectors and on acquisitions and divestments ranging in size and value. He was also previously an Executive with Kingston Smith.

Speaking on his promotion, Lloyd Ellis noted, “I’m really excited to be taking on the role of Private Equity Leader at PwC and look forward to bringing the best of the firm from across the UK to help our clients’ needs. In a rapidly changing world the industry is uniquely positioned to play a vital role and use its capabilities, market position and willingness to drive change. Private Equity funds can invest to generate positive financial and societal outcomes across all business sectors.”

Lloyd Ellis takes the position as the sector continues to emerge from the pandemic, where macroeconomic factors have changed the shape of so many industries. He brings a deep sector market knowledge to the role, and as leader of PwC’s private equity transactions wing, he will look to bring the firm’s value creation thinking to its clients to drive portfolio growth.

The number of merger and acquisitions deals by private equity firms has fallen during the pandemic – but the total estimated deal value has exploded. If they are to maximise their returns, it is more crucial than ever that investors create transformational value as early as possible; something external expertise from firms like PwC is crucial for.