Background:

Our client is a Sovereign Wealth Fund based in the GCC investing in non-oil & gas sectors across the globe, including developed and emerging markets. Historically this role was taken care of by external portfolio managers but the SWF decided to move this function in-house and hence the role became open. The role required an internationally experienced candidate with exposure to multi-asset classes but with a focus on public equities.

This was a retained search given to us in early 2016 after two London search firms failed to close it. We undertook a global search, carefully studied the market, conducted competency based screenings to match SGRF’s requirements and presented a shortlist of high calibre candidates within 4 weeks.

Snapshot of the search process:

• We conducted our search focused on locating candidates already based in London, with a hands-on role in leading a retail online brokerage firm or brokerage arm of an established bank. Our research showed that candidates would be better suited to our client’s environment if they had exposure to a start up & tech driven environment.
• Our search gave us a concise picture of technology driven start up’s within London, from this we sourced a list of around 8 candidates which we filtered based on budget constraints, readiness to move and the candidates ability to manage risk exposures.
• We provided a shortlist of 3 candidates from London’s market who were interviewed and after thorough screening, a candidate was selected, offered and accepted. He joined our client in July 2017, and is now part of a growing firm on its way to an IPO.