The Playbook for Standing Up a NewCo HQ

1. Start with Stabilization, Not Real Estate

Many teams prioritize securing leases first. However, the smarter approach begins with clarity:

• What must be operational on Day One?

• Who owns each functional handoff?

• What regulatory or TSA constraints influence delivery?

Define what stability looks like and plan backward from there.

2. Define Ownership by Function — Not Org Chart

Cross-functional chaos often arises when multiple teams share deliverables without clear ownership. To mitigate this:

• Assign functional leads (IT, Legal, Ops, etc.)

• Identify their counterparts within the portfolio company and sponsor organizations

• Establish clear escalation paths for conflicting priorities

Effective management stems from defined ownership, not just meetings.

3. Lock the Workstream Cadence Early

Cadence isn't just about rhythm; it's the engine of delivery. Establish the operating model by Week 1:

• Weekly sponsor briefings (15–30 minutes)

• Cross-functional standups (30–45 minutes)

• Dashboard summaries highlighting status, blockers, and next steps

A prompt meeting is more effective than a delayed report.

4. Design the Exit While You Enter

TSA exits often extend due to lack of early sequencing. Gain an advantage through proactive planning:

• Define what a "clean exit" entails for each service

• Map each exit to its milestone dependencies

• Incorporate exit sequencing into every sponsor update

The exit date should be anticipated, not unexpected.

5. Don't Just Track Progress — Enable It

The most effective dashboards do more than report; they drive accountability. Your execution platform should highlight:

• Workstream health indicators (green/yellow/red)

• Blocker owners with target resolution timelines

• Alerts for milestone deviations

Robust reporting informs and propels action.

Final Thought

Establishing a new headquarters is a testament to operational precision. By delivering with structure, visibility, and rhythm, sponsors can maintain confidence from Day One.

“In execution, perception follows precision.”