Partner-led, with fewer off-limits and deeper market intelligence.
Retained Executive Search for senior Distribution, investment and corporate functions across asset classes and geographies.
What the work is
We identify, assess and place senior leaders for financial institutions and investment management, across asset classes and geographies — chief investment officers and portfolio leadership, heads of distribution and client solutions, regional and country CEOs, board members and senior advisers. As a specialized boutique, we offer the personal, high-touch service of experienced consultants who act as trusted advisers — and, with fewer firms off-limits to us, access to the market that is broader and less restricted. Each search opens with a mapped universe of the firms and people that matter, so the first approach is an informed one — and it is the partners who make that approach, directly to the candidates themselves. They carry the search through to offer, referencing and onboarding, working directly with clients throughout and personally assessing everyone presented.
Opportunistic Presentations We hold long-established relationships with the key leaders of our markets around the world, and we are known for our discretion. That standing lets us arrange added-value, opportunistic introductions at the highest level of the industry — bringing decision-makers together in confidence. It is a high-value service we reserve for our active clients.
- Partners assess every candidate before the client meets them.No candidate reaches a shortlist on a researcher's note alone.
- Hands-off restrictions are agreed in writing before launch.The client knows exactly which firms are off-limits and why, before the first call is made.
- Every search rests on a mapped market.We document the target universe, compensation reference points and movability before any approach.
- Placements are followed for eighteen months.Structured check-ins with client and candidate at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months.
- Position specification and key factors for success
- Mapped target universe
- Progress reports through the search
- Candidate reports with partner assessment
- Reference report
- Onboarding plan and follow-up
- Asset managers
- Alternatives platforms
- Real estate and infrastructure investors
- Sovereign wealth funds
- Insurers
- Private wealth and family offices
The markets and asset classes behind that list are on the home page.
How a search runs
Move along the rail to read each stage, or select one to hold it.
Business Development
We learn the client's business, strategy and organization before discussing any role.
- Deliverable
- Business Intelligence ReportOur written understanding of the client, its market position and its leadership needs.
- What the client sees
- A conversation about the business.
Confirmation
We agree scope, fees, timing, off-limits restrictions and confidentiality in writing.
- Deliverable
- Confirmation LetterThe signed engagement letter, including the written statement of hands-off restrictions.
- What the client sees
- A signed engagement letter with restrictions stated explicitly.
Client Briefing
We interview stakeholders to define the role, the ideal profile and what success looks like.
- Deliverable
- Key Factors for Success and Position SpecificationThe documents every candidate is later measured against.
- What the client sees
- A specification that reflects what was actually said, ready to sign off.
Research
The target universe of firms and people is mapped and prioritized.
- Deliverable
- Target universe and first progress reportThe mapped market, with sources, before any approach is made.
- What the client sees
- The first progress report: who is in scope and why.
Candidate Development
Partners approach, interview and assess candidates against the specification.
- Deliverable
- Progress reportsA running, written record of the market's response to the role.
- What the client sees
- Regular progress reports naming who has been approached and where each stands.
Presentation
A shortlist is presented, each candidate with a written partner assessment.
- Deliverable
- Candidate ReportCareer history, assessment against the specification and the partner's view.
- What the client sees
- Candidate reports and a structured discussion of fit and risk.
Referencing
References are taken and qualifications verified for the finalist.
- Deliverable
- Reference ReportReferee conversations and degree verification, written up.
- What the client sees
- A reference report before an offer is made.
Offer
We manage the offer, negotiation and resignation through to signature.
- Deliverable
- Verbal and written offer, acceptedTerms agreed, contract signed, resignation planned.
- What the client sees
- A partner in the room for every conversation that could derail the hire.
Close
We close, document and audit the search against the firm's standards.
- Deliverable
- Onboarding plan and close auditWhat the new leader needs in the first hundred days, and our own check that everything was recorded.
- What the client sees
- An onboarding plan and a closing summary.
Follow Up
We stay in touch with client and candidate at fixed intervals for eighteen months.
- Deliverable
- Follow-up notes at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 monthsEarly warning of any problem, and evidence the placement is working.
- What the client sees
- Scheduled check-ins.
Struggling with an ongoing search?
Running a search with another firm, or on your own, and not sure you have seen the whole market? We will map the market you have been shown against the market that exists, and tell you what you may be missing.