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ARTICLE · 16 MARCH 2026

Assembling Your IPO Team

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For every company hoping to go public, a crucial part of IPO preparation is assembling the group of employees, board members, outside professionals and advisors who are needed for the IPO journey and life as a public company.

United StatesCorporate/Commercial Law
Caroline Dotolo
Caroline Dotolo
Giuliana Green
Giuliana Green
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For every company hoping to go public, a crucial part of IPO preparation is assembling the group of employees, board members, outside professionals and advisors who are needed for the IPO journey and life as a public company. The principal members of the IPO team are highlighted below. In assembling this team, companies should always remember that there is no substitute for experience when the stakes are high and time is short—hallmarks of every IPO.

MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

The CEO and CFO are essential to the success of the company's IPO. If the incumbents do not possess the combination of experience, knowledge, communications skills, vision, energy and integrity needed to lead the company through the IPO process, woo investors on the road show and tend to public company obligations after the closing—all while managing the company's operations—the board will need to consider deferring the IPO or changing the company's leadership. For example, it is not unusual for a company

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