Private Equity International released its newest “Future 40” list, spotlighting 40 rising leaders set to shape the industry. The compilation spotlights talent with secondaries expertise, underscoring the segment’s growing influence. Analysts say the list can signal emerging deal‑making talent and shift investment flows in the secondary market.

Key names include StepStone, LGT Capital Partners and Kirkland & Ellis, all with deep secondary portfolios. Their inclusion signals a shift toward lawyers and institutional managers who can navigate complex asset restructurings. The list reflects a trend where secondary specialists drive value creation across the private‑equity ecosystem.

Earlier this year, PEI Group solicited nominations across five categories—dealmakers, investors, fundraisers, operators and lawyers—to capture a holistic view of upcoming talent. The exercise drew entries from across the globe, reflecting the sector’s diversification and the growing importance of cross‑border secondary transactions. These selections aim to benchmark skill sets that can deal velocity and enhance portfolio performance.

For investors, the list offers a curated pipeline of talent capable of sourcing and managing secondary deals that often yield attractive risk‑adjusted returns. For firms, it highlights where to focus recruitment and partnership efforts. The ripple effect could tighten secondary pricing and elevate performance benchmarks industry‑wide, as capital inflows grow and competition for high‑quality assets intensifies.