mikewedge, Author at River Partnership

Situation:

Our client, who advises financial institutions, global corporates, regulators and government entities on critical and complex financial issues including structured finance solutions, asset valuations, turnarounds and strategic advisory, mandated River to help grow both the leadership team and the next tier down, across EMEA.

Outcome:

River mapped and identified a target market of 161 leadership candidates in strategy and transaction services across Europe, all of whom were systematically approached, interviewed and assessed. Through extensive ongoing qualification (and the discounting of unsuitable and passive candidates), across the European theatre, River was able to present regular “rolling short-lists” of qualified candidates. They hired 22 MD, D and VP candidates via River over an 18-month period.

Given River’s reputation and previous successes in identifying acquisition targets on behalf of international technology funds, River were asked to assist a Global Finance Advisory firm with a potential acquisition.

In this instance, River were tasked with identifying a list of potential acquisition targets in Europe which fit within specific size and revenue parameters. Utilising the expert research team within River, a shortlist of 11 companies were identified and a strategy for approaching these companies was agreed upon. NDAs and a discreet approach was used to protect our client’s privacy.

Having spoken with 8 CEOs / owners of the identified firms, we were able to introduce our client to two whom were both aligned to the initial requirements and were actively interested in an initial conversation.

The resulting conversations have allowed our client to further understand the market and assess genuine options for sale. With our help managing expectations, our client are in advanced talks to purchase one of the companies they have been speaking with.

Challenge
The Global CEO of a major digital bank sought to appoint a UK Chief Executive to lead and scale its UK operations.

The role required a leader with regulatory credibility, digital banking expertise, and the ability to operate at pace within a high-growth, technology-led environment. The search needed to be both comprehensive and rapid, given the strategic importance of the UK market.

Why River
River was retained on an exclusive basis to deliver full market mapping and executive search support. The mandate required senior-led engagement, robust benchmarking, and the ability to mobilise quickly across a clearly defined but competitive talent pool.

Approach

Conducted detailed market mapping across digital banks, challenger institutions, and relevant adjacent financial services platforms
Identified and benchmarked senior leaders with UK regulatory experience and proven scale-up credentials
Leveraged existing senior networks to access high-calibre, largely passive candidates
Delivered a focused, interview-ready shortlist aligned to the client’s expectations and timeline

Outcome & Impact

Presented high-quality, benchmarked candidates within weeks of launch
Secured appointment of a UK CEO within one month of initiating the search
Enabled continuity of leadership and momentum in a strategically important market

European Leadership Team Build

Written by:

Jamie Stokes

Assisting a Global Finance Advisory Firm with Potential Acquisition

Written by:

Jamie Stokes

UK CEO Appointment – Global Digital Bank