ABOUT US

At Portobello Advisory, we provide executive coaching for private equity-backed CEOs in the UK and Europe.

We help leaders navigate the intense pressures of PE ownership, improve their financial acumen, and strengthen their ability to drive business growth while managing complex investor relationships.

Our executive coaching services combine operational expertise with a psychodynamic approach, ensuring leaders develop strategic acumen and emotional intelligence to thrive in high-stakes environments.

MEET OUR FOUNDER

John Declerck, Managing Director of Portobello Advisory, is a private equity CEO coach with a proven track record of leading and transforming PE-backed businesses. Based in London, he works with CEOs and leadership teams in the UK, France and other key European markets.

John holds a Certificate in Coaching for Leadership: Psychodynamic Approaches from the Tavistock Institute, one of the world’s leading institutions in leadership and organizational development. He also holds an MBA from IESE as well as a BA in Economics from Bucknell University. As a former CEO, Chairman, and PE Operating Partner, he has first-hand experience tackling the challenges of private equity-backed leadership.

EXPERIENCE

John has held senior roles at private equity portfolio companies and global corporations, working directly with PE investors on business growth, M&A, and leadership development. He participated in over 30 acquisitions and exits, both in PE and corporate roles. His career includes:

  • Kingfisher plc (London, Paris, Moscow) – Led group strategy, acquisitions, and a significant turnaround as CEO of Castorama Russia.

  • The Home Depot (Atlanta, Toronto) – Spearheaded international expansion, M&A, and corporate strategy.

  • Toys“R”Us Europe (Paris, London, Frankfurt) – Managed $2B+ in revenue across nine countries as SVP & Chief Merchandising Officer.