
Why Skills-First Leadership Is Replacing the Ivy League Playbook in the C-Suite
The old prestige pyramid—where Ivy League degrees and blue-chip consulting backgrounds paved the way to the CEO seat—is cracking.

Nuvei Corporation (NVEI.TO), a prominent Canadian fintech company with financial backing from actor Ryan Reynolds, has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by private equity firm Advent International. This all-cash transaction, valued at approximately $6.3 billion, signifies Nuvei’s transition from a publicly traded company to a private entity.
The acquisition price represents a significant premium for Nuvei shareholders. The deal offers $34 per share, reflecting a 56% increase over Nuvei’s closing share price on the Nasdaq on March 15, 2024. Additionally, the offer translates to a 48% premium over Nuvei’s 90-day volume-weighted average trading price.
Nuvei’s leadership team, including Chairman and CEO Philip Fayer, is expected to remain in place following the acquisition. Key shareholders, including Novacap Management and CDPQ, a Québec-based long-term investment fund, will also retain a stake in the company through Advent International’s ownership structure. This continuity in leadership is likely intended to ensure a smooth transition and preserve Nuvei’s established expertise in the payments technology sector.
The decision to go private reflects a strategic shift for Nuvei. While the company has experienced success as a publicly traded entity, the acquisition by Advent International allows Nuvei to operate with greater flexibility outside the public spotlight. This newfound flexibility could empower Nuvei to pursue long-term growth strategies without the short-term pressures often associated with public markets.
Nuvei has established itself as a leading provider of payment processing solutions for online merchants. The company caters to a diverse clientele, including prominent brands like Virgin Atlantic Airways, fashion retailer Shein, and sports betting firms DraftKings and BetMGM. Advent International’s acquisition underscores the growing prominence of the fintech sector and the increasing value placed on innovative payment processing technologies.
The acquisition’s completion remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. However, both Nuvei and Advent International anticipate the transaction being finalized in late 2024 or the first quarter of 2025. This development signifies a significant transformation for Nuvei and positions the company for continued growth within the ever-evolving financial technology landscape.

The old prestige pyramid—where Ivy League degrees and blue-chip consulting backgrounds paved the way to the CEO seat—is cracking.

Loud leaders once ruled the boardroom. Charisma was currency. Big talk drove big valuations.

But the CEOs who make history in downturns aren’t the ones with the deepest cuts

Companies invest millions in leadership development, yet many of their best executives leave within a few years. Why?

The most successful business leaders don’t just identify gaps in the market; they anticipate future needs before anyone else.

With technological advancements, shifting consumer expectations, and global interconnectedness, the role of business leaders

Following a distinguished Law Enforcement career Joe McGee founded The Securitatem Group to provide contemporary global operational specialist security and specialist security training products and services for private clients, corporate organisations, and Government bodies. They deliver a wide range of services, including complete end-to-end protection packages, close protection, residential security, protection drivers, and online and physical installations. They provide covert and overt investigations and specialist surveillance services with a Broad range of weapons and tactical-based training, including conflict management, risk and threat management, tactical training, tactical medicine, and command and control training.

Jay Wright, CEO and Co-Owner of Virgin Wines infectious energy, enthusiasm, passion and drive has been instrumental in creating an environment that encourages talent to thrive and a culture that puts the customer at the very heart of every decision-making process.

Fabio de Concilio is the visionary CEO & Chairman of the Board at Farmacosmo, a leading organization dedicated to mental health and community support services. With a deep commitment to identifying and meeting customer needs, Fabio ensures that high standards are maintained across the board.

Character Determines Destiny – so said Aristotle. And David CM Carter believes that more than anything else. For David, it has been numerous years of research into codifying Entelechy Academy’s 54 character qualities that underpin everything he stands for as a leader and teacher.


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