Areas of Expertise
Strategy Development
Develops actionable growth strategies, including retail expansion and new market entries, tailored to client objectives.
Strategy Execution
Leads the successful implementation of strategic initiatives, the development of new business channels, and the optimization of incentive structures.
Program Management
Expertly manages complex, cross-functional initiatives including IPO readiness, integrations, and operational restructuring.
Financial Modeling
Builds rigorous financial models that clarify profitability impacts and enable informed decision-making on cost optimization projects.
BEFORE GROWTH OPERATORS
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Northern Tool + Equipment
- Director, Enterprise Transformation
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Pioneer Management Consulting
- Management Consultant
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Jamf
- Enterprise Risk & Controls Program Manager
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Optum
- Risk and Control Consultant
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PwC
- Experienced Associate
ALMA MATER
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University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
- Accounting and Information Systems
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Hamline University
- MB
Something You Should Know
Outside of work, I enjoy boating, skiing, and spending time with my wife, Elle, and our son, Jack.
Christian Paese is a Managing Director at Growth Operators, where he leads the Strategy & Execution practice. He partners with private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and middle-market business leaders to accelerate value creation through disciplined execution.
With more than 10 years of experience driving growth, execution, and transformation, Christian focuses on translating strategy and investment theses into actionable plans that improve operations, increase profitability, and deliver measurable results. He works across complex environments, including Retail, SaaS, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Media.
Christian’s experience spans the full transaction and business lifecycle—from pre-close diligence and value creation planning to 100-day execution, carve-outs, integrations, divestitures, and enterprise transformation initiatives. He brings an operator’s mindset to every engagement, combining strategic clarity with hands-on program leadership and financial rigor to ensure initiatives are not only defined, but delivered.
Known for aligning leadership teams and establishing execution cadence and accountability, Christian partners closely with sponsors and management teams to move from strategy to results. His experience includes supporting IPO readiness, leading post-merger integrations, and driving performance improvement initiatives that accelerate EBITDA growth and operational efficiency. Christian helps organizations close the gap between strategy and execution—creating durable outcomes that support long-term growth and achieve investment objectives.
STRENGTHS
- Ability to Identify, assess, and close gaps
- Business Acumen
- Change Management
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Project Management
- Strategic Leadership
At Growth Operators, we’re not just consultants—we’re operators who roll up our sleeves and work alongside our clients to drive meaningful change. We bring a team-based approach that blends strategy and execution, ensuring our clients don’t just have a plan, but the momentum and support to make it real.
