.png)
About
James Gairdner is a leadership coach, organisational development specialist, and seasoned operator with deep expertise in helping founders, CEOs, and executive teams navigate complexity, scale, and moments of transition. His career spans leadership development, organisational psychology, and commercial execution across pharmaceuticals and biotech, global FMCG, and financial services.
From shaping international brand strategy at The Coca-Cola Company to leading product and marketing transformation at Lloyds Banking Group, James has operated inside some of the most complex systems in business. He later transitioned into advisory and clinical training, founding and growing two leadership consultancies that served global organisations through periods of seismic change.
Today, James partners with founders, CEOs, and leadership teams to strengthen clarity, sharpen strategic focus, and build capability that endures beyond the next inflection point. His approach blends commercial acuity with psychological insight — enabling clients to shift from reactive decision-making to grounded, self-authored leadership.
“I love working with leaders when the stakes are highest. I have lived the challenges of navigating scale, organisational anxiety, and high-pressure decisions. The right support can transform not just the outcome — but the leader in the process.”
Schedule a call with an Exitwise advisor to learn more about engaging James to Maximize Your Exit™
Previous Exits
The PDC (The People Development Consultancy) sold to Management Buyout
Valuation: Undisclosed
The PDC, a global leadership and organizational development advisory serving pharma and biotech across North America, Europe, and Asia, completed a management buyout that positioned the firm for its next stage of growth. The transaction provided continuity for major life sciences clients while empowering the leadership team to accelerate expansion and deepen its work in science-driven organisations navigating scale and transformation.
Heresy Consulting sold to Management Buyout
Valuation: Undisclosed
Heresy Consulting, a clinically informed leadership development and assessment consultancy focused on financial services and venture-backed scale-ups, completed a management buyout that ushered in a new phase of autonomy and growth. Known for its distinctive psychological approach to leadership and culture, the firm will continue to support high-growth organizations through complexity and rapid change.
Media & Education
How Exited Works
Hire an Exited Founder to serve as an advisor on your M&A team to enhance market credibility, open doors to more buyers, and create an industry insider’s advantage when selling your business.
Schedule a FREE call with an Exitwise M&A Advisor to qualify your business.
Exitwise will schedule interviews with your top Exited Founders to answer any questions and help make your selection.
Review and sign our Exited Founder contractor agreement to add your Exited Founder to your M&A team.
Services & Fees
Every Exited Founder engagement is designed around your unique goals and the needs of your company. Fees can vary, but most often include either an hourly rate, a success-based fee, or a blend of both—depending on how involved your Exited Founder will be in your process.
After your initial discovery call with an Exitwise M&A advisor, you’ll get a detailed breakdown of the Exited Founder engagement options. We’ll talk through each option to make sure everything feels fair, transparent, and aligned before you decide to move forward.
Increase in Sales Price
Increase in Number of Offers
Increase Transaction
Success Rate
Accelerated Time to Exit
Exited Founder Benefits
This Exited Founder offers personal M&A experience and deep professional networks in their respective industries to help you Maximize Your Exit.™
How to Engage This Exited Founder
Every Exited Founder’s goal is to make sure you create the exit you deserve. Engaging is easy!
Schedule a
Free Call
Exited Founder Interview
Hire Your
Exited Founder
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Exited Founder?
Why should I hire an Exited Founder to sell my business?
What services do Exited Founders provide during the sale process?
How does an Exited Founder help with the valuation of my company?
What should I consider when choosing an Exited Founder?
How long does it take to sell a business with an Exited Founder?
