Anouk Daoudal’s Journey at Ardian: From Intern to Investment Manager

INVESTMENT MANAGER

Anouk Daoudal

The Buyout Team 

The Buyout team invests in upper mid and large-cap companies, aiming to help European and North American champions become global leaders. The team’s role is to support its portfolio companies in their growth and development, for example, by implementing transformative buy-and-build strategies. On average, the team works with portfolio companies for 4 to 5 years, focusing mainly on the food, healthcare, technology, and services sectors.

Why this job ?

At Ardian, Anouk had the opportunity to grow quickly and develop her skills. Her journey began in 2019 when she joined the Buyout team as an intern. She was then hired as an Analyst, before progressing to the role of Investment Manager. This position allowed her to take on significant responsibilities early in her career, including regular interactions with the management teams of portfolio companies during strategic committees and monthly meetings.

An exciting project?

One of the key moments in Anouk’s journey at Ardian was her first deal: AD Education. Having the opportunity to work on this project soon after joining and follow it on a daily basis was significant in her professional development. It allowed her to quickly acquire a wide range of both technical and interpersonal skills, while being exposed for the first time to the management team of a company. She understood the critical importance of building trust-based relationships.

Skills and qualities needed

The Buyout team works across diverse sectors in ever-changing environments. According to Anouk, it is essential to be curious and interested in a wide variety of topics. She also emphasizes the importance of having strong analytical and synthesis skills to effectively manage the flow of information and develop a critical mindset to form one’s own opinion on each deal.

BUYOUT