PPL - Home of the M&A People Integration Playbook

PE investors and SME founders need sharp, senior expertise that delivers value fast.

That’s why PPL exists.

We’re built to ensure deals deliver real and lasting value:
✅ Precision in people integration
✅ Speed at deal pace
✅ Real-world outcomes, not theory

From diligence to post-deal integration, we lead the people side of M&A so investors protect value and founders scale with confidence. Through ppl.io, we share the playbooks, tools, and insights that turn people risk into people value.

The deal model justifies the investment.
The people deliver the returns.
And PPL is the smarter alternative.

Founder & Principal

CUBE

CUBE is a global AI RegTech business setting the gold standard for regulatory change in financial services.

I act as the primary advisor on people risk, integration strategy, and change leadership, and led all People Integration workstreams across 17 countries following CUBE’s acquisitions of Thomson Reuters (thomsonreuters.com), Reg-Room (reg-room.com), and Acin (acin.com).

Key Achievements:
- Delivered complex, concurrent people integration programmes across carve-out and acquisition environments.
- Scaled CUBE from 450 to 720 people, and from 11 to 22 countries.
- Designed and implemented a global benefits review, aligning packages across 5 regions to upper-quartile benchmarks.
- Led multiple TUPE consultations in the UK.
- Replaced incumbent Employer of Record (EOR) with GoGlobal across 12 countries.
- Established a new US PEO with ADP, significantly enhancing healthcare and benefits for existing and acquired employees.
- Partnered with executive leadership to define the post-merger operating model and org design, ensuring role clarity and alignment across 3 acquisitions.
- Set up a new employing entity in the Philippines, enabling CUBE to directly employ talent from recent acquisitions.

"Dylan played a key role in ensuring our integration with CUBE was a success. He built a strong and trusting partnership with our HR team, kept communication productive and timely, and made sure employee feedback was acted on. Thanks to Dylan’s approach, important commitments were honored, employees felt supported, and retention remained strong throughout the process."
👏 'Confidential', HR Director, Thomson Reuters

M&A People Integration Lead

Better Hiring Institute (BHI)

The Better Hiring Institute exists to transform the UK labour market by bringing in a revolution in the way the UK hires staff. Working with UK Government the Better Hiring Institute has developed Better Hiring Toolkits to cover 80% of the UK workforce, a Better Hiring Charter to transform fairness in UK Hiring and runs the Modernising Employment APPG in Parliament.

Expert Panel Member - Faster & Future

AxeTrading

AxeTrading is a global provider of Fixed Income trading solutions, which provides access to all major fixed income trading venues, and offers customisable pricing and quote management, and automated workflow tools.  Following its acquisition in 2023, AxeTrading is now part of Trading Technologies, provider of the world's leading professional futures trading platform.

"Dylan was instrumental in helping AxeTrading's Board to understand the legacy management issues, guided the Board with regards to leadership transition at the Company, and executed with integrity and action throughout the restructuring and acquisition programme."
👏 Farooq Jaffrey, Fintech Venture Capital Investments

"As COO, Dylan steered AxeTrading through a difficult time when there were changes at executive level.  Dylan worked closely with the CEO to implement a turnaround strategy and successfully positioned the company for its successful acquisition by Trading Technologies."
👏 Mark Rodrigues, Venture Partner, Illuminate Financial

My varied role included:
- Hired, mentored and embedded entire new C-suite
- Managed the successful acquisition of AxeTrading by Trading Technologies in March 2023
- Closed AxeTrading's German entity, successfully transitioning all development capability to new external partners in Brazil, Europe & Indonesia
- Worked closely with shareholders to raise new Convertible Loan Note funding & establish clear Board governance 
- Led AxeTrading's People, Talent, Operations, Strategic Partnerships, Legal & Compliance functions
- AxeTrading’s Company Secretary & Chief Information Security Officer

Chief People & Operations Officer

Board Member

HR Director (via PPL)

Barclays

Led an accelerated high-profile people change programme across the US, UK and India

Workforce Programme Manager

FNZ Group

FNZ Group is the fastest growing FinTech firm in the world and the market leader in the provision of technology and investment services to major financial institutions in the platform and wealth management sector. Responsible for over £1.5 trillion assets-under-administration, held by over 20 million customers of some of the world’s largest financial institutions. 

Reporting to the Group Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) my role partnered with FNZ’s leadership team to embed behaviours and HR processes to motivate and empower over 1,100 colleagues across the UK, Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, South Africa, Hong Kong, US, and China. 

Historically a PE backed scaling FinTech Unicorn FNZ is a high-growth, regulated technology and services supplier to large, global, established Financial Services organisations which achieved a £1.7bn sale valuation in 2018.

• Re-established HR business partnering model with HR as trusted and credible advisors and implemented a single HR and Talent team model to embed the business partnering approach.
• Led significant large-scale organisational change and multiple TUPE programmes via mergers, acquisitions and services transfer.
• Introduced FNZ as a new employer to multiple countries across EMEA.
• Partnered with senior leaders to maintain the fun elements of start-up culture whilst also balancing that against the needs of delivering HR and Talent projects within a regulated FS environment.
• Introduced brand new global Employee Recognition scheme allowing colleagues and clients the opportunity to nominate employees for either cash awards, team experiences or new technology.
• Delivered the successful implementation of Workday as the new global HR and Talent system across 15 countries and consolidated payroll providers across EMEA.
• Oversaw all HR matters relating to employee relations and engagement, improving retention and increasing internal development and Talent opportunities for colleagues.

Human Resources Director

Reported to the Group Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO).  This role combined responsibility for all Talent, Resourcing, Learning and Development cycles across the Group ensuring that people at all levels developed the skills, knowledge and experiences to fulfil the Group’s short and long term Talent agenda.

Historically a PE backed scaling FinTech Unicorn FNZ is a high-growth, regulated technology and services supplier to large, global, established Financial Services organisations. 

• Partnered regional leaders to develop and embed a robust Talent Strategy.
• Conceived and implemented FNZ’s new group Talent, Performance Management and Succession Planning model – ‘GO FAR’ (Goals, Objectives, Feedback, Assessment and Recognition).
• Developed and implemented regulatory focused Talent, Learning and Development programmes.
• Implemented direct sourcing across the Group with direct hires improving from 10% to over 80% in 6 months.

Group Head of Talent

NatWest Group

Reported to Group TS Chief Operating Officer.  Set RBS Technology Services Resourcing policy including operational delivery of permanent, contract and temporary recruitment via direct channels, third party suppliers and managed service vendors.

•	Designed and implemented new HR operating model improving team capability and performance.
•	Contract manager for 600+ UK contractors.
•	Implemented new vendor model reducing contractor margin costs by over £1m/annum.

Global Head of Resourcing, Technology Services

Reported to HR Chief Operating Officer (HR COO).  Initially a contract role, working closely with HR experts across dedicated teams to improve business engagement and HR effectiveness

Group HR Operations

The HEINEKEN Company

Head of Resourcing, Europe

Resourcing Manager - Integrated Supply & Trading

People & HR Director || Technology Start-Ups & Scale-Ups

Stop overpaying big consultancies for average integration results.

M&A isn’t just a financial deal. It’s a human one, and when the people side gets overlooked, even the best strategy can unravel. Yet time and again, I see PE investors and founders leaving the most critical part of integration to chance (or to the wrong advisors).

Big consultancies will sell you armies of juniors and endless slide decks. Specialists often lack the depth to deliver globally, at deal pace. Both can be costly mistakes.

That’s why I built PPL, the home of the M&A People Integration Playbook.

PPL exists to replace the old model with something sharper:

✅ HR Due Diligence → Spotting risks, talent gaps & liabilities early
✅ Leadership & Culture Integration → Aligning the people behind the business
✅ Retention & Change → Keeping your best people engaged and moving forward

I’ve led people strategies across high-growth scale-ups, international acquisitions, and PE/VC-backed businesses. The pattern is clear: when people integration works, deals deliver. When it doesn’t, value leaks.

👉 At PPL, we make M&A human, scalable, and successful, so founders and investors can unlock the returns their deal models promised.

If you’re about to invest, acquire, or integrate, then let’s talk. There’s a smarter way to do this.

===========================================

"In an extremely fast moving and challenging environment, Dylan joined the Integration Team leading the People, Culture and Comms workstream of 200 people from Reg-Room and Thompson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence into CUBE. He hit the ground running, prioritising and delivering urgent and strategic requirements from his first morning."
- Andrew Scola, M&A Integration and Carve-out Expert -- ex Deloitte, PwC

"What Dylan doesn't know about M&A you could write on your toe nail!  He is super knowledgeable, knows his way around M&A like the back of his hand and is SUPER patient. He is objective, thoughtful and puts the employees first - always."
- Elinor Brett, FCIPD, Interim CPO/HR Director

"Dylan guided the Board with regards to leadership transition at the Company, and executed with integrity and action throughout the restructuring and acquisition programme."
- Farooq Jaffrey, Fintech Venture Capital Investments

"As COO, Dylan worked closely with the CEO to implement a turnaround strategy and successfully positioned the company for its successful acquisition by Trading Technologies."
- Mark Rodrigues, Venture Partner, Illuminate Financial

===========================================

Dylan Roberts

Didn’t expect this… but I’ve been named one of the 30 men to follow in M&A this International Men’s Day.

What didn’t surprise me?
🌟 That the industry is finally waking up to one simple truth:

>>>> Deals don’t fail because of spreadsheets.
>>>> They fail because of people.

That’s why I show up here.

Not for recognition, but because founders and investors keep getting sold “integration” that ignores the humans who actually make the deal work.

If my posts help even a few teams navigate M&A without losing their culture, their leaders, or their sanity… then it’s worth it.

Appreciate the shoutout Thomas, now back to championing the people side of M&A.

#MergersAndAcquisitions #PeopleIntegration #PrivateEquity #InternationalMensDay

https://lnkd.in/e3c2xrEW

Available for New Contracts Jan 2026 | M&A People Integration Expert | HRi Innovation Award Winner 2025 | Founder @ ppl.io | Turning People Risk into Deal Value

Helping B2B Leaders Make Smarter Market Decisions with Consulting-Driven Analyses. Research That Prepares You for Tomorrow’s Market.

Happy International Men’s Day! 
Best of Male LinkedIn: Strategy, M&A & Investments 
 
Let’s be honest for a second:
We talk a lot about equality (as we should).

We celebrate Women’s Day (as we must).
But today?
Today the spotlight shifts.
 
Back in March, we created a special edition for International Women’s Day.
Now it’s time to give the men their moment - 
not with ego, not with noise…
…but with impact.
 
Because International Men’s Day isn’t just “another day.”

It’s about role models who show up,

health that often gets ignored,

and the ongoing hustle for real equality - 
for everyone.
 
So here’s something I’m really excited about:
 
The “Best of LinkedIn: Men’s Day Edition"
We curated 30 men to follow in each category - in:
- Private Equity
- M&A
- Strategy & Consulting, and 
- Venture Capital
 
Not because of titles.

Not because of hype.
But because they consistently show up on LinkedIn with
real insights, real expertise, real value.
You know… the stuff that actually makes LinkedIn worth opening : )
 
Enjoy the read - and take good care of yourself!
And to everyone who shares thoughtful, honest content in these fields: Thanks for bringing real insight to a platform that often rewards everything but.

View newsletter: Strategy, M&A & Investments

Hello Everyone, Happy International Men's Day! Equality is crucial to us! Back in March, we created a special edition for International Women’s Day. N

Open article: Best of Linkedin: Strategy, M&A & Investments - 30 Men to Follow by Thomas Allgeyer • 13 min read

Best of Linkedin: Strategy, M&A & Investments - 30 Men to Follow

⏰ A date for your diary!

I'm excited to be a part of this panel on 3 December, talking about how to manage HR complexity in cross-border M&A including entity timing, employment models, compliance pitfalls and talent retention during transition. 

#hr #mergers #acquisitions #people

https://lnkd.in/ejZs-VRS

On December 3, we're hosting a webinar on how to manage HR complexity in cross-border M&A including entity timing, employment models, compliance pitfalls and talent retention during transition.

You’ll hear firsthand from experts who have guided carve-outs globally:
🌍 Andrew Lindquist, GoGlobal
🌍 Sariah Lutkin, GoGlobal
🌍 Chuck Moritt, Mercer
🌍 Dylan Roberts, PPL - Home of the M&A People Integration Playbook

If you’re involved in deal execution, integration, HR or transformation, this session will give you clarity — and a roadmap 🗺️

https://lnkd.in/g5_G--NF

#GoGlobal #Mercer #PPL #HR #MergersAndAcquisitions

🌟 Reminder that I will be joining this brilliant group of people for a fireside chat on all things People in M&A next Wednesday!

https://lnkd.in/e5nXsyy4

🚨 ⏰  4PM TODAY (UK)

I'm excited to be a part of this panel this afternoon, talking about how to manage HR complexity in cross-border M&A including entity timing, employment models, compliance pitfalls and talent retention during transition. 

#hr #mergers #acquisitions #people

Register here --- https://lnkd.in/ejZs-VRS

axetrading

pplio

pricewood

myhr-club

qrota

li_at

JSESSIONID

LinkedIn Login, Sign in | LinkedIn

(7) Feed | LinkedIn

Talks about #culture, #startups, #investors, #leadership, and #humanresources

🚨 🚨 🚨 Breaking News: Labour backs down on ‘Day One Unfair Dismissal’ in the Employment Rights Bill

The government has stepped back from its plan to give workers the right to claim unfair dismissal from day one.

Instead, protection will now apply after 6 months, following pressure from business groups and resistance in the House of Lords.

What’s still due from April 2026
✔️ Day-one sick pay
✔️ Day-one paternity leave

What’s changed from the manifesto commitment?
❌ Immediate unfair dismissal protection
✅ Replaced with a 6-month qualifying period

A clear shift in one of Labour’s headline employment reforms, and another reminder that bold policy rarely survives contact with political reality.

FIITJEE

- Spearheaded strategic resource allocation to drive business growth in the Vidarbha region.
- Led a high-performing team to establish Nagpur as a premier educational hub, targeting over 30,000 student enrollments within five years.
- Implemented innovative strategies to enhance service quality while optimizing operational expenses.
- Designed and executed a comprehensive digital marketing campaign (ATL and BTL) that increased online engagement by 800%, solidifying the brand’s presence in the competitive EdTech sector.
- Launched a mentorship program that improved academic performance and achieved a 100% increase in student retention rates.

Achievements:
- Achieved a remarkable enrollment growth from 200 to 1,200 within the first year.
- Enrolled 2,500+ students in the second year, significantly exceeding targets.
- Effectively planned and deployed resources to maximize business growth in the Vidarbha region.
- Set a strategic vision to transform Nagpur into an educational hub akin to Kota, targeting 30,000+ enrollments, including medical aspirants, within five years.

 Managing Partner

BYJU'S

- Strategically allocated resources to maximize student learning outcomes while ensuring strong ROI.
- Evaluated learning initiatives and provided actionable recommendations to enhance quality.
- Developed and executed robust digital and performance marketing strategies, driving D2C sales growth.
- Leveraged data analytics to formulate strategies that improved overall performance and effectiveness.
- Spearheaded the integration of data analytics tools to assess student performance, leading to targeted interventions that doubled learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch a new learning platform, boosting user engagement and satisfaction.

Achievements:
- Oversaw business operations across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and South India, managing a 500-member sales force, 12 Centre Heads, and 25 Team Leaders.
- Built a high-performing sales team within two months, driving business growth.
- Achieved a record recruitment of 300+ sales professionals in a single month across West and South India.
- Delivered 50% month-on-month business growth from August 2020, surpassing performance benchmarks.

Zonal Business Head – West and South India

Aakash EduTech Private Limited

Zonal Business Head - West and South India

Vedantu

- Led business operations across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and South India, - managing a 1,200-member sales force, including 20 Centre Heads and 70 Team Leaders.
- Drove growth through strategic partnerships and market expansion, resulting in increased revenue.
- Supervised instructional designers, LMS administrators, and support staff to enhance student success rates.
- Implemented a comprehensive sales training program, achieving a 300% increase in conversion rates.
- Conducted market analysis to identify trends, leading to the successful launch of new courses.

Achievements:
- Generated ₹12+ Crores in revenue within four months.
- Recruited 350+ top sales professionals in West India within a month, driving significant business impact.

Regional Business Head

Connaissance Eduventures

- Assessed teaching materials, faculty performance, and curriculum effectiveness to ensure high-quality education.
- Led staff training initiatives and evaluated educational technologies.
- Managed manpower planning and resource allocation for optimal operational efficiency.
- Developed a quality assurance framework that improved student feedback and satisfaction.
- Launched a community outreach program that increased brand awareness and inquiries.

Achievements:
- Established the first center in Borivali and scaled operations to five additional centers within a year.
- Innovated a hybrid offline-online model, setting a new standard in the region.
- Positioned the institute as a premier educational brand in Western Mumbai, known for exceptional teaching quality.

 Founder and Director

Conducted mathematics classes, providing individualized attention to improve learning outcomes.

Mathematics Teacher | 

- Managed cross-functional teams for sales and content development.
- Orchestrated a large-scale Talent Hunt Test, engaging thousands of students.
- Conducted workshops and seminars that engaged over 10,000 students, fostering a culture of learning.
- Enhanced the curriculum by integrating technology-driven solutions, improving student engagement.

Achievements:
- Led a Talent Hunt Test across seven cities, reaching 100,000+ homes and engaging 200,000 students.
- Effectively managed content development and sales teams.

Business Head

Narayana Group Of Schools

- Led site selection and negotiations for new campuses, securing prime locations.
- Directed recruitment for key roles across business development, marketing, and teaching staff.
- Trained teachers for offline and online formats and contributed to the development of the Learn Platform mobile app.
- Managed marketing campaigns and strategic alliances to boost brand visibility.

Achievements:
- Oversaw schools in Borivali, Andheri, and Bhayandar, managing ₹150+ Crore in investments.

General Manager

MT Educare Limited

- Managed 24 science-focused centers, leading marketing strategies for admissions.
- Built a high-performing Business Development Team by recruiting and training talent from top MBA institutes.
- Scaled the sales model across 27 centers, focusing on advanced soft skills for student engagement.

Assistant Vice-President

The Scholar’s Institute

- Launched and scaled three branches, building a team of 30 staff members.
- Aligned business strategy with corporate goals to ensure long-term growth.
- Represented the organization at key industry events, including e-India and the Indian Education Congress.

Achievements:
-Grew the student base from 22 to 150 in the first year, expanding to 450+ admissions by 2007.

Founder

With over 25 years of experience in the Education and EdTech industry, I am a passionate leader committed to delivering high-quality education and exceptional customer service to thousands of students aspiring to crack engineering entrance exams.

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲:
- Managing Partner at FIITJEE, a trusted and reputed brand with a 32-year legacy.
- Head of Regional Operations: Overseeing multiple centers across the region.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:
- Managing P&L across centers to drive growth and profitability.
- Leading cross-functional teams to ensure seamless operations.
- Developing and implementing strategic plans for business growth.
- Ensuring academic excellence and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 & 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀:
- In-depth knowledge of market trends, industry best practices, and the competitive landscape in the EdTech sector.
- Creating effective marketing campaigns that drive brand awareness and increase customer loyalty.
- Providing engaging and accessible educational solutions for all learners.


𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻:
I am committed to driving innovation and positive change in the dynamic world of education, striving to make learning more engaging, effective, and accessible for all students.

taplio

The Battle

Dylan Roberts

DR. PRANNAY G SHARMA

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taplio

The Battle

Dylan Roberts

DR. PRANNAY G SHARMA

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Dylan Roberts's LinkedIn Performance

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