Fastest Path to Becoming a CEO

Timah’s CEO-in-Training (CIT) Program is the region's first structured path for young operators to lead real businesses, create lasting impact, and build equity — all within a system built for your success.

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Most Leadership Paths Take Decades. Ours Takes Years.

In Singapore and Southeast Asia, young talent is everywhere — but clear leadership pathways are rare. Big companies move slowly. Startups burn out. Private equity teaches spreadsheets, not leadership.

We built the CEO-in-Training (CIT) Program to change that.

It’s a structured, fast-tracked path to becoming a C-suite leader of an SME — the kinds of businesses that generate cash, support livelihoods, and quietly keep our economies running.

You won’t just shadow.
You'll build, own, and lead.

You won’t just shadow. You'll build, own, and lead.

We Don’t Hire for Titles. We Bet on Attributes.

You don’t need 10 years of management experience. You might be a great fit if you are...

  • A builder with a “get it done” mindset
  • Analytical and able to explain complex ideas clearly
  • Calm under pressure and adaptable
  • Learns quickly
  • Hungry for ownership and responsibility
  • A natural leader — someone others want to follow

Operators at early-stage startups

Analysts in consulting, finance, or investing roles

Entrepreneurial MBA grads who want to skip the corporate treadmill

Founders who’ve built something (anything)

The CIT Program:
A 3-Step Journey to the C-Suite

This isn’t a classroom. It’s an apprenticeship in building and running real businesses.

Timah HQ Rotation (6–12 months)

  • Work closely with Timah’s leadership — with direct exposure to our board of experienced operators and investors
  • Learn sourcing, deal-making, capital allocation
  • Build reps in evaluating businesses and strategic thinking

    • Business Unit Apprenticeship (12–36 months)

  • Serve as Chief of Staff or VP in one of our operating companies
  • Own high-impact projects, improve systems, and drive performance
  • Learn from the CEO — and prepare to become one

    • C-level Role

  • Lead a Timah company in a C-level position
  • Set the vision, build the team, own the P&L
  • Receive equity and be held to high standards of execution

    • Not Just a Job. A Rare Opportunity to Own and Lead.

    For you

    • A fast track to real leadership — not inflated titles
    • Real equity in the business you run
    • A launchpad for building a life and career of impact
    • Mentorship from operators and investors who’ve done this at the highest level

    For the SMEs we acquire

    • A values-aligned, hungry leader who respects legacy and leads with empathy
    • A long-term steward for their people, culture, and future

    FAQ

    What is the CEO-in-Training (CIT) program?

    The CIT program is a structured, multi-year path to becoming a C-level executive of one of our businesses. You’ll rotate through Timah HQ, apprentice under a veteran operator, and eventually step into a leadership role. It’s the first program of its kind in Southeast Asia — meant for those who want to build and lead within a platform designed to help you succeed.

    Yes. It’s a full-time, salaried role with benefits. CITs also receive performance-based bonuses, which may include equity in Timah Partners. From day one, you’re treated like a future leader — not a student, trainee or intern.

    You don’t need prior C-suite experience. Many of our candidates come from consulting, investing, startups, or technical fields. What matters most is the ability to learn quickly, act decisively, and lead with humility and ownership.

    Even if the fit isn’t forever, the experience will shape your career. You’ll walk away with real operational reps, direct exposure to exceptional CEOs and board members, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to run a business. It’s the kind of experience that sets you apart — and helps you stand out in any future opportunity.

    We’d love to
    hear from you.

    Whether you’re an SME owner, a future SME leader, or a partner who shares our mission.

    Contact Us