Cybersecurity executive search for PE-backed companies in DACH

We help investors, portfolio companies and founders hire senior commercial leaders for cybersecurity, IT services and B2B technology companies. From CRO and CSO to CCO, VP Sales and Country Manager roles, we identify and approach the leaders who can build revenue structure, scale go-to-market and operate effectively in complex stakeholder environments. Cybersecurity is a trust-based, technical and highly regulated market — selling SOC, MSSP, MDR, IAM, cloud security, incident response or security advisory services requires more than a generic B2B sales playbook. For PE-backed companies, the bar is even higher: the right CRO, CSO or CCO must translate the value creation plan into commercial execution.

Why teams choose us in DACH

What you get when you brief us

Related searches we run

Other DACH searches we run

Frequently asked

Questions before you brief us.

What roles do you typically search for in cybersecurity?

Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Sales Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, VP Sales, VP Revenue, Country Manager, Managing Director, Head of Go-to-Market, Commercial Director, Sales Director DACH and International Expansion Leader — across MSSP, SOC, MDR/XDR, IAM, cloud security, incident response, security advisory, IT services and PE-backed B2B technology platforms.

When should we hire a CSO vs a CRO vs a CCO?

A sales-led CSO is right when the priority is direct revenue execution and pipeline ownership. A CRO fits when you need end-to-end revenue responsibility — sales, partnerships, customer success, often marketing — and a single forecasting line into the board. A CCO is broader still, frequently including marketing, M&A integration and commercial strategy. We help clarify which profile actually matches the value creation plan before the search starts.

What compensation should we expect for a senior cybersecurity commercial leader in DACH?

Indicative current ranges: sales-led CSO €170k–€220k base plus 30–50% variable; CRO or CCO with end-to-end revenue responsibility €200k–€260k base plus 40–70% variable; exceptional PE-backed cybersecurity profiles €240k–€300k+ base with higher OTE and a meaningful LTIP, phantom equity or value creation bonus. The strongest candidates rarely move for cash alone — mandate, autonomy and upside matter as much.

How do you keep a search confidential?

No public job posting, no open LinkedIn campaign, neutral project positioning, a limited project team and discreet senior-led outreach. The company name is only shared after a candidate is qualified, interest is established and confidentiality is agreed. This is essential in cybersecurity, where the executive market is highly networked.

How important is prior PE experience?

It depends on the maturity of the platform. For first-investment professionalisation, a strong commercial operator with structured scaling experience is often enough. For buy-and-build, integration-heavy or exit-track mandates, candidates who have lived through a PE cycle — board reporting, value creation plans, transaction readiness — typically reduce execution risk meaningfully.

What does the search process look like end to end?

Four phases: (1) clarify mandate, scope, reporting line and compensation model; (2) map a targeted universe of cybersecurity, MSSP, IT-services and adjacent PE-backed companies; (3) approach selected candidates directly and confidentially; (4) deliver a decision-ready shortlist with profiles, motivation, compensation indication, market feedback and clear recommendations. Typical timeline 10–14 weeks to signed offer.