Judging Process


After the entry deadline, all entries will be reviewed by the Real Deals editorial team, who will identify a shortlist for each category.

In January 2025 we will contact all entrants to let them know whether or not they have been shortlisted, and the full shortlist will be published on our website.

Shortlisted entries are shared with a panel of judges comprised of senior representatives from leading LPs and PE firms. Judges will score all entries online before meeting in person for final deliberations.

The Private Equity Hall of Fame recipient is nominated by the Real Deals editorial team.

All winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 3 April 2025.

2025 Judging Panel

Aidan Robson, Endless
Aidan Robson
Managing Partner
Endless
Cameron Payne, Federated Hermes
Cameron Payne
Co-Head of European Investment
Federated Hermes
Claire Madden, Connection Capital
Claire Madden
Connection Capital
James Livingston, Foresight Group
James Livingston
Partner
Foresight Group
Kirsty McDonald, GCP
Kirsty McDonald
Partner
GCP
Mehul Patel, August PE
Mehul Patel
Partner and Investment
August PE
Merrick McKay, Patria Investments
Merrick McKay
Head of Private Equity
Patria Investments
Michael Baster, Inflexion
Michael Baster
Partner
Inflexion
Mirja Lehmler- Brown, Hayfin
Mirja Lehmler- Brown
Partner
Hayfin
Natalia Tsitoura, Apollo
Natalia Tsitoura
Partner
Apollo
Nicholas Schellenberg, Cambridge Associates
Nicholas Schellenberg
Managing Director- Secondarie
Cambridge Associates
Nicola Gray, Epiris
Nicola Gray
Investment Partner
Epiris
Paul Lamarcroft, Schroders
Paul Lamarcroft
Senior Investment Director Private Equity
Schroders
Wol Kolade, Livingbridge
Wol Kolade
Managing Partner
Livingbridge