London, November 11, 2026
Level 20, the leading European industry body focused on increasing the representation of senior women in private equity and venture capital, has appointed Emma Watford, Partner and Head of Sectors at Bridgepoint, as its new Chair, effective 15 January 2027. Emma succeeds Rebecca Gibson, Managing Partner at Oakley Capital, who is stepping down after three years in the role and will remain on the board.
Emma has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry. At Bridgepoint, she is Partner and Head of Sectors, and a member of Bridgepoint’s Private Equity Operating and Investment Committees. A longstanding supporter of Level 20, Emma has been involved since the organisation’s foundation, serving on the Advisory Council and subsequently joining its Board in January 2026. As Chair, Emma will work alongside Level 20’s Board and executive team to support the organisation’s mission and expand activities across Europe.
Emma is also a member of the UK Takeover Panel and has lectured on private equity law at Oxford University for over 15 years. She began her career at Morgan Stanley and is a graduate of Oxford University and Harvard Business School, where she was a Fulbright Scholar.
Emma Watford, incoming Chair of Level 20 and Partner at Bridgepoint, said: “Having been involved with Level 20 since its foundation, I’ve seen first-hand the difference it has made to women working in private equity. I’ve always believed that building a successful career in this industry is about finding the right people and culture to support you over the long term. Level 20 has played an important role in helping women build those relationships and see a path to senior leadership. I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair and look forward to working with Gurpreet and the wider industry to continue advancing Level 20’s mission.”
Rebecca Gibson, outgoing Chair of Level 20 and Managing Partner at Oakley Capital, said: “It has been a privilege to chair Level 20 over the past three years. A particular highlight was celebrating our tenth anniversary in 2025, which gave us the opportunity to reflect on how far the organisation and wider industry have come. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and grateful to the team, members and sponsors who make our work possible. Emma has been a committed supporter of Level 20 for many years, and I know she will bring tremendous experience and insight to the role.”
Gurpreet Manku, CEO of Level 20, said: “We are delighted to welcome Emma as our next Chair. Her extensive industry experience and longstanding commitment to Level 20 make her exceptionally well-placed to support our work in our second decade. I would also like to thank Rebecca for her outstanding leadership over the past three years, during which Level 20 has continued to grow its reach and impact across Europe.”
-ENDS-
About Level 20
Level 20 is the leading industry body for women in private equity. Its mission is to increase the representation of senior women, particularly in investment roles. Through professional networking, career development, research & insight and industry engagement, Level 20 supports individuals and firms in building inclusive and high performing teams. The organisation has 8,000 members and operates across 20 countries in 13 European chapters. Level 20 membership is free and open to both men and women. To learn more, visit: Level20.org.
Press Contact: pro-level20@prosek.com