Challenge
The transactions leadership of a leading consulting firm in Switzerland identified a critical need to appoint an IT M&A Partner to lead and grow its Swiss capability. While the firm was already strong in Transactions Services and Integration/Separation activity, IT M&A represented a strategic gap.
Given the highly relationship-driven nature of IT M&A, the successful hire needed a strong personal network, established client relationships, and a proven ability to originate and deliver complex transactions. The Swiss market added further complexity: the pool of Partner-level IT M&A talent was limited, highly visible, and intensely competitive.
The search required comprehensive market coverage, discretion, and a tailored engagement strategy.
Why River
The client engaged River to provide discreet, retained Partner-level search support with full market coverage and senior-led engagement. River’s understanding of the Swiss consulting landscape, combined with experience delivering revenue-generating Partner hires, enabled credible access to highly visible and commercially sensitive talent pools.
Approach
- Conducted full market mapping of the Swiss IT M&A leadership landscape, identifying all relevant Partner-level profiles across consulting and advisory firms
- Designed tailored outreach strategies for each individual, reflecting the sensitivities of operating in a small, relationship-driven market
- Extended the search across Europe, engaging senior IT M&A leaders open to relocating to Switzerland
- Assessed candidates on deal origination capability, client relationships, leadership experience, commercial track record, and cultural alignment
- This ensured access to both domestic and international talent capable of delivering immediate commercial impact.
Outcome & Impact
- Successful appointment of a Partner-level IT M&A leader from a key competitor in Zurich
- Three strategic client accounts transferred
- CHF 10m+ in new business generated within the first year
- Immediate strengthening of the firm’s competitive position through the establishment of a dedicated IT M&A offering