Challenge
A leading financial services consultancy across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland identified a strategic need to strengthen its AI, Technology, and Data capability as part of a Europe-wide growth agenda. The firm required a Partner-level leader to build and scale the offering locally, combining deep AI and data expertise with a strong commercial track record and established Swiss FS relationships.
Given the scarcity of commercially proven AI leadership talent in Switzerland, the search required full market coverage and senior-level engagement.
Why River
The client engaged River to provide discreet, retained search support with the ability to access passive, revenue-generating AI leaders beyond the most visible market profiles. River’s sector specialism and senior network enabled credible assessment of both technical depth and commercial leadership capability.
Approach
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Mapped the Swiss AI, Technology, and Data leadership market, identifying 78 senior candidates across consulting, FS, and technology firms
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Leveraged senior referrals to access boutique and niche consultancies typically difficult to penetrate
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Assessed candidates on commercial performance, sector credibility, leadership scale, and cultural fit
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Delivered a focused shortlist of 8 Partner-calibre leaders with demonstrable revenue impact
Outcome & Impact
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Successful appointment of a Partner-level leader to head the FS AI, Technology, and Data offering
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Immediate strengthening of market credibility in AI-led transformation
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Accelerated revenue generation and pipeline development within Swiss financial services