Philip Knisely

Energizer
DISC Type : I

Operating Partner at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Overview

Philip Knisely is an Operating Partner at private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, leveraging decades of executive experience. He previously co-founded Colfax Corporation, served as an EVP at Danaher, and held presidential roles at AMF and Emerson Electric. He holds an MBA from the University of Virginias Darden School of Business.

Philip is deeply committed to his alma mater, having served for nine years on the Darden School Foundation Board of Trustees, including two years as its chairman. He and his wife, Pattie, established a fellowship fund to provide financial support for outstanding students attending the school.

He is a recipient of the Charles C. Abbott Award, the highest honor bestowed upon alumni by the UVA Darden School of Business for his extraordinary leadership and counsel.

Personality Overview

Informal

Big Picture Person

Enthusiastic

Unlike C or D types, they are vocal with their opinions but not so much with their questions.  They are people oriented, friendly and like creating new connections. They are naturally enthusiastic, so take their promise with a pinch of salt.

Topics They Care About

Industrial Growth
His career includes executive leadership at Danaher and Emerson, and he co-founded industrial manufacturer Colfax Corp, demonstrating deep expertise in growing manufacturing businesses.
Corporate Governance
He has extensive board experience, serving as chairman for multiple companies including Atkore International, White Cap Supply Holdings, and Beacon Roofing Supply, guiding corporate strategy.
Private Equity Operations
As an Operating Partner at CD&R, he focuses on improving the operational performance and strategic direction of the firm’s industrial and business services portfolio companies.

Media Appearances

Philip has no verified media appearances

Work History

1-2011
Operating Partner at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC
5-2000 - 12-2010
EVP at Danaher
1-1995 - 6-2000
CEO at Colfax Corp
1988 - 1995
President at AMF
9-1978 - 9-1988
Division President at Emerson Electric Co.

Education

1976 - 1978
MBA from University of Virginia Darden School of Business
1972 - 1976
Education details unavailable from Kettering University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 47 Location : Chicago, Illinois, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Operating Partner at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC
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Insights For Selling To Philip

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Share some stories about how you you have helped people in similar positions succeed
  • Talk anecdotally about the customer experience that your product offers
  • Talk about their team and how your product will help them do things better and easier

DONT's

  • Avoid ifs and buts, don’t talk too much about the risks etc.
  • Avoid overloading them with too much detail
  • Avoid cutting into their flow

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Philip is

  • Relationship and trust can be vital with them, sometimes more than anything else.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Philip

  • They are unlikely to say no directly, you have to make that decision yourself.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Philip move?

  • They are not the fastest decision makers, their friendly approach can give false positive signals.
  • Can Philip take some risk or not?

  • They can accept limited risks, ones that they think will not impact them personally.

You And Philip

Personality Compatibility


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