Meet the Heart Behind TheNonExec® – Justin Levine, Managing Director
From early ambition to global deal maker
Hi, I’m Justin Levine. I co-founded TheNonExec® with a simple idea: to build a boutique M&A advisory firm that delivers genuine value – not showroom offices or prestige. Over the past few years, TheNonExec® has guided over 16 x companies through successful exits. In our second decade of business, I can’t help but feel proud and grateful to reflect on the journey.
Before forging my own path, I was with Schneider Electric, holding roles as Managing Director and VP during a fast-tracked corporate career. Since then, I’ve helped steward deals worth over £300 million globally – working across Europe, Asia Pacific, the UK and the Americas – and firmly believe outstanding results come from smart, focused teams, not layers of administration.
Why we chose a different path
We didn’t build TheNonExec® like a traditional corporate finance firm. From day one, I knew we’d offer far better client value by staying lean and virtual. Instead of costly offices or ex FTSE non exec chairs, we built a team rooted in global reach:
- UK-based M&A expert providing high level, CEO level execution and negotiation.
- Specialist & scalable CF team in India for deep financial modelling, research, analytics.
- World-class M&A data from Pitchbook and Experian to underpin valuation models & strategic decision making.
- Expert graphic designers in the UK to craft top quality presentations & IM’s.
Caroline Levine, my co founder and operational anchor, integrates this global team – seamlessly creating an agile machine that delivers world class outcomes without the overhead.
What truly matters: People + Process
Selling a company isn’t just a financial transaction – it’s deeply personal. Through years of exits, I’ve seen the value of selecting the right buyer, the level of preparation necessary and the importance of helping founders emotionally navigate the process. That’s why we tailor our advice: balancing precise numbers with genuine empathy.
Our focus is the long-term success of the company after the deal is done. And as I reflect, the real lesson from these 15 years is clear: every business is a human story, not just a P&L.
Working with us
Our clients repeatedly highlight how approachable, clear, and competent the entire process felt with outcomes that exceeded their expectation:
Justin is highly experienced, huge attention to detail and ‘seen it all before.” He and his team delivered a great outcome!
Dr. Richard Strongman, Harvest Fine Foods
I highly recommend Justin and his incredible team. His approach is truly professional, and yet with a real and compassionate understanding of what we needed.
Debbie Jarmey, Mayfield Group
Delivered a significant uplift in value for the seller.
Nick Davies, Steele Raymond LLP
A refreshingly professional, straightforward and efficient experience. Justin kept the process on track… a pleasure to deal with.
Jon Bednall, CEO, Epwin Group PLC
What makes us different
- Personal, not procedural: I work directly with founders through the whole journey.
- Nimble yet seasoned: decades of deal experience combined with modern agility.
- Powerful and lean: virtual team with deep and experienced know-how.
- Rich data: Subscriptions to the world’s most extensive M&A data.
We research hundreds of prospects per client, build deep financial modelling and negotiate at the highest level with some of the world’s largest companies – all while keeping things friendly, human and stress free.
Looking ahead
As I look forward, beyond our 15th milestone, our mission remains the same: deliver outcomes that matter by putting people first, process second. If you’re considering an exit and want expert guidance from someone who’s walked many founders through their exit journeys – let’s chat.
