Roles & Specialisms
When clients partner with Leathwaite they are truly working with one of the leading global functional executive search and leadership talent specialists.
Our practice-specific teams have access to one of the most in-depth global leadership talent networks available across corporate functions.
We ensure our clients can recruit the very best leaders to meet their strategic needs.
CEO
Leathwaite’s executive search and executive interim divisions are constantly working with Boards and Executive Committees to source Global, Regional and Business-line Chief Executive Officers.
Leathwaite partners with a wide range of clients ranging from large global listed entities to small-cap firms, supporting them across their global locations. We undertake executive search for senior permanent and interim candidates as well as market mapping projects and salary benchmarking.
Recent Track Record:
- UK CEO, FTSE 100 Corporate
- CEO, Ireland, Global Investment Bank
- Business Banking CEO, FTSE 100 Corporate
- Group CEO, FinTech
- India CEO, Global Insurance
- Greater China CEO, Global Technology Leader
- Interim CEO, Global Retail Organisation
- CEO Greater China, Global Data Company
- CEO General Insurance China, European / Chinese Joint Venture Insurer
- CEO Asia Global Shared Services Entity
- CEO Asia Digital Organization, Global Insurer
CFO
Since 1999 Leathwaite’s CFO practice has presided over 650 permanent assignments and 100 executive interim appointments for FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 financial services clients. Alongside our executive search services, we have conducted 75 global market analysis projects (MAPs).
As an international, multi-lingual team, we have a unique talent for understanding the cultural sensitivities across the businesses, regions and corporate divisions in which we operate.
Our team specialise in placing financial officers and maintain long-term relationships with candidates, clients and emerging talent. We stay abreast of new requirements, regularly attending round tables and industry events. In doing so, we continue to offer our clients unrivalled knowledge, partnership and service.
Recent Track Record:
- Deputy CAO, Global Retail Bank, Charlotte, US
- EMEA CFO, Global Investment Bank, London
- Group Controller, Global Investment Bank, New York
- CFO GBAM, Global Retail Bank, New York
- EMEA CFO, Global Investment Bank, London
- Head of US Tax Reporting, Global Investment Bank, New York
- Americas CFO – Global Retail Bank, New York
- Head of Audit Operations & Strategy, Global Insurance Company, New York
- Global Head of Infrastructure IT Audit, Global Retail Bank, London
- Group Financial Controller, Investment Management, London
- CFO Asia Pacific Global Wealth & Asset Manger
- CFO Greater China, Global Data Company
- Asia CFO, Global Alternative Asset Manager
- Chief Auditor APAC, Global Asset Manager
CIO
In the fast-paced world of information technology, CIOs and CTOs need to be multi-faceted leaders, able to manage, communicate and collaborate with all areas of a business. We source, appraise and deliver executive IT officers capable of leading international teams, with the vision and drive to create successful, highly valued technology organisations.
Our global information technology practice is dedicated to unearthing exceptional IT officers, from established and emerging cultures and markets. Whether their role involves the collation and analysis of data, implementing infrastructure transformations or developing a global technology roadmap, we seek out diverse candidates who possess strategic insight and commercial awareness.
Leathwaite has conducted 900 permanent IT searches, 250 executive interim placements and 150 business intelligence projects for industry-leading multi-nationals, medium-sized and SME firms, start-ups and private equity-backed organisations, across financial services and related sectors.
We combine our international presence, intimate understanding of key personnel, and strong relationships with senior executives, to tap into the leadership and talent issues that drive our clients. We regularly attend industry events and produce articles exploring CIO and CTO agendas, putting us in an ideal position to source global technology talent.
Recent Track Record:
- Group CIO – Global Investment Bank – New York
- Retail CIO – Global Investment Bank – Singapore
- Africa CIO – Global Retail Bank – Johannesburg
- CTO / Head of Infrastructure – Asset Management – Zurich
- Asia CTO – Global Investment Bank – New York
- Chief Architect Asia Pacific, Global Insurer
- APAC Chief Technology Officer, Global Payments Company
- Chief Information Officer, Vietnam, Global Insurer
- Head of Infrastructure Asia, Global Insurer
- Group Chief Data Officer, Vietnamese Bank
CMO
Marketers are both stewards of the brand as well as digital strategists and activators whether their business is a global financial leader, a direct-to-consumer personal care product, or an ad tech start-up.
As their remit grows. marketing leaders need to be able to drive brand awareness, leverage technology, delight their consumers and the marketplace alike with product and service innovation while delivering a standout customer experience online and offline. Creating a compelling brand story and delivering upon it to drive loyalty and create top and bottom line value is today’s marketing challenge.
We source and appraise exceptional candidates in brand marketing, product innovation, digital marketing, insights & analytics, e-commerce as well as media and agency leaders. These leaders have built brands from the ground up, nurtured and grown iconic brands and blazed new paths in connecting with consumers both on and offline. We give our clients access to senior and emerging talent with the ability to create and implement market insight-led solutions.
Recent Track Record:
- Vice President Marketing – Global Personal & Household Care Leader – New York
- Chief Marketing Officer – Global Payments Leader – London
- Vice President Personal Care & Media – Global Personal Care Leader- New York
- Head of Digital – Luxury Start-Up – New York
- Vice President Marketing – Global eCommerce Platform – New York
- Head of Marketing – Global Law Firm – London
- Head of UX Design Studio Asia, Global Asset Manager
- Head of Digital Marketing, Global Asset Manager
COO
Our market-leading global COO practice supports multi-national conglomerates, SMEs and start-up organisations as they overcome challenges in financial services, by mapping and securing uniquely talented operations executives.
We specialise in executive search services for COO, operations, middle office and change management positions, at both a board level and direct reports. Leathwaite’s expertise, along with the long-term relationships we have forged over the past 17 years, enable us to leverage a network and track record that few of our competitors can match.
Recent track record:
- Global COO, Operations – Global Investment Bank – New York
- Global Head of Operations and CEO Clearing – Global Online Retail Broker – New York
- COO – UK Wealth Manager – London
- European Head of Operations and Technology – Global Investment Bank – London
- General Manager, Shared Services Philippines, Global Insurer
- COO Risk Management, Global Investment Bank
CRO
Grasping the subtleties of various risk disciplines and balancing them with regulatory optimisation, compliance and IT infrastructure are now essential attributes of the risk executive.
Leathwaite helps firms mitigate risk and remain compliant, by sourcing and appraising talented executives. Our team of specialists secure leaders who can deliver change, manage across business lines and partner with senior management and boards
Our risk expertise spans:
- Credit, Market & Operational Risk Management
- Liquidity Management
- Capital Optimisation
- Model Risk & Validation
- Legal & Regulatory, including Basel III Standards & MiFID II
Recent Track Record:
- Deputy AWM Chief Risk Officer – Global Investment Bank – New York
- EMEA Chief Risk Officer – Global Investment Bank – London
- Americas Head of Market Risk – Global Retail Bank – New York
- EMEA Chief Risk Officer – Global Investment Bank – London
- Head of Margin Risk – Global Financial Services Corporation – New York
- Global Head Financial Crime – Global Retail Bank – London
- Head of ICG Operational Risk – Global Investment Bank – New York
- International Chief Risk Officer – Global Financial Services Corporation – New York
- Chief Risk Officer APAC, Global Investment Bank
- Chief Risk Officer PWM, Global Bank
- China Retail Banking CRO, Global Universal Bank
Chair & NED
Demonstrated by a 75% gender and ethnically diverse placement track record, Leathwaite is disrupting the talent make-up of boards within organisations seeking to invoke meaningful change and transformation.
With access to one of the most extensive global networks of senior talent within corporate functions, Leathwaite specialises in partnering with the main boards of emerging/high growth businesses, and sub-boards of established multinationals.
In addition to offering a chair and NED executive search solution, Leathwaite is also able to offer independent board assessments, access to external consultants / advisory services and succession planning reports.
Recent Track Record:
- Independent Non-Executive Director, European Bank Board, Global Investment Bank
- Non-Executive Director & Audit Chair, Asset Management
- Independent Non-Executive Director, Wealth Management
- Independent Non-Executive Director & Benchmarking, Global Insurance
- Chair and three Non-Executive Directors, FinTech
- Independent Non-Executive Director, Global Med-Tech
- Non-Executive Director, North American Retail Bank
- Non-Executive Director, Global Retail Organisation
Company Secretary
The role of the Company Secretary is vital to delivering sustainable business performance and has emerged from the shadows in recent years to become a critical part of an organisation’s executive team, acting as a valuable intermediary between the business and the Board. Our clients recognise that a strong Chief Governance Officer is critical to safeguarding their business and driving an enterprise-wide approach to corporate governance.
Leathwaite has a strong track record in company secretarial search. We support and advise clients within both financial services and corporates to add to their company secretarial function at a senior level. We work with a wide range of clients ranging from large global listed entities to small-cap firms, supporting them across the UK, Europe and Asia Pacific. We undertake executive search for senior permanent and interim candidates as well as market mapping projects and salary benchmarking.
Recent Track Record:
- Head of Secretariat, FTSE 250 Corporate
- Head of Board and Board Committees Plc, FTSE 100 Corporate
- Group Company Secretary, Investment Company
- Interim Governance Director, Investment Bank
- Group Global Company Secretary, Leading Financial Services organisation
- Global Head of Subsidiary Governance, FTSE 100 Corporate
- Senior Company Secretary, Asia Pacific Conglomerate
- APAC Company Secretary, Global Universal Bank
- Group Deputy Company Secretary, HK HQ Conglomerate
Compliance
Having an effective compliance leader is pivotal to the survival and success of firms in the modern regulatory environment. Our dedicated compliance practice is designed to help our clients make strategic – and often high profile – hires, with due diligence surrounding risk and financial crime.
With an enviable track record across financial services, our global compliance practice has become a thought leader within the market, regularly speaking at conferences and events on topics such as compensation, resources and structures.
We assist our clients in all aspects of compliance, including benchmarking, competitor analysis, succession planning, structural changes and executive search services for global, regional and business line leaders.
The Strategic Corporate Communications practice at Leathwaite specializes in connecting clients with senior and emerging talent across Marketing, Communications & Investor Relations functions.
We work with large complex multinationals, private equity portfolio companies and scale-up organizations, building their leadership teams of both today and tomorrow. Led by industry leaders in global marketing and communications, the practice spans the globe with four consultants across geographies.
The breadth and depth of our relationships in marketing and communications sets us apart. Our team of consultants have spent decades specializing in this area and can provide access to a vast network of marketing and communications professionals. They know how to identify the best talent in these fields, and they are trusted and respected by this professional community.
- Global Head of Financial Crime – Global Retail Bank – London
- Global Head of Corporate Banking Compliance – Global Retail Bank – London
- Chief Technology Officer, Compliance – Global Retail Bank – London
- Americas Head of Compliance – Global Retail Bank – New York
- Global Head of Asset & Wealth Management Compliance – Global Retail Bank – London
- Global Head of Compliance – Investment Bank – London
- Global Head of Compliance – Global Communications Company – London
- Head of Intelligence – Financial Regulatory Organisation – London
- Head of Compliance – Wealth Management Company – London
- Global Head of Compliance – Investment Bank – London
- Head of Compliance Asia, Global Asset Manager
- Head of Compliance Asia, Global Alternative Asset Manager
- Asia Head of Compliance, Global Insurer
Corporate Communications
The Strategic Corporate Communications practice at Leathwaite specializes in connecting clients with senior and emerging talent across Marketing, Communications & Investor Relations functions.
We work with large complex multinationals, private equity portfolio companies and scale-up organizations, building their leadership teams of both today and tomorrow. Led by industry leaders in global marketing and communications, the practice spans the globe with four consultants across geographies.
The breadth and depth of our relationships in communications sets us apart. Our team of consultants have spent decades specializing in this area and can provide access to a vast network of marketing and communications professionals. They know how to identify the best talent in these fields, and they are trusted and respected by this professional community.
Recent Track Record:
- Global Head of Crisis Communications – Global Tobacco Manufacturer – Switzerland
- Director, Public Affairs, North America – Sovereign Investment Fund – New York
- Head of Group Enterprise Communications, Greater China – Global Healthcare Conglomerate – Shanghai
- Director of Government Relations, Japan – Global Payments Organisation – Tokyo
- Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability Thailand, Global Agriculture Company
- Asia Head of Corporate Communications, Global Hedge Fund
- Asia Head of Corporate Communications, Global Private Equity Company
Cyber Security
Cyber security is on the lips of almost every CEO today. The advent of online and digital has given rise to unprecedented amounts of data that must be harnessed, manipulated, monetised and protected.
Data breaches are now a serious risk for organisations of every size and sector; a glance at almost any business publication will no doubt cite a recent information security issue.
Our global cybersecurity practice has partnered with some of the world’s largest financial services institutions, to hire market-leading talent in the realm of cybersecurity. From global CISOs to heads of cybersecurity, Leathwaite monitors and engages with thought leaders and cyber-security practitioners across the globe.
Recent Track Record:
- Group CISO Europol – Global Insurance Company – London
- Group CISO – Global Communications Company – London
- Head of Cyber Security – Global Retail Bank – London
- Operations Homeland Security – Global Investment Bank – New York
- Corporate & Commercial Banking CISO – Global Insurance Company – New York
- CISO Asia – International Financial Services Group – Hong Kong
- Cyber and Information Security Lead – International Law Firm – New York
- Vanguard Information Security Programme Manager – Global Insurance Company – Philadelphia
- Consumer Bank CISO – Global Investment Bank – New York
- Group Head of Cyber, Regional Insurer
- APAC CISO, Global Investment Bank
Digital
Digital is dominating the corporate landscape, transforming institutions and their interactions with customers. To succeed in a digitised marketplace, it’s vital to deliver strategic innovations, whilst maintaining the structure and service level of core operations. Nowhere is this truer than in the financial services sector.
Leathwaite is a trusted partner for digital transformation. We advise and support clients across all functions, including operations, technology, marketing and general management, as well as rapidly evolving positions within data, analytics, mobile and cybersecurity.
As our clients build and develop their digital capability, the origin of candidates has become increasingly varied. Financial services firms, for example, recognise the benefit of hiring individuals with a diverse background, especially for traditional but evolving executive roles in IT and digital functions.
Recent Track Record:
- Digital CIO – Global Insurance Company – London
- General Insurance CIO – Global Insurance Company – London
- CIO – Specialist Insurer – London
- Chief Digital Officer – Financial Services – Dubai
- Head of Digital – Global Investment Bank – London
- Data and Digital MAP – Global Retail Bank – Global
- Marketing Director – Retail Bank – London
- Digital Transformation Director – Retail Bank – Swindon
- Marketing Director – Retail Bank – Manchester
- Head of Products – Retail Bank – Leeds
- Head of Digital Solutions Asia, Global Insurer
- China FinTech Lead, Global Bank
- Head of Digital Strategy, Propositions & Partnership Asia, Global Asset Manager
- Chief Data Officer Asia, Global Insurer
Government and Regulatory Affairs
Our Government and Regulatory Affairs practice is dedicated to supporting our global financial services clients. By taking care of their executive search needs, we enable our clients to remain one step ahead of regulation.
As an international, multi-lingual team, consisting of six consultants, we have a unique talent for understanding government and regulatory affairs, as well as cultural sensitivities, across the businesses, regions and corporate divisions in which we operate. We recognise the diverse requirements of executives in government and regulatory affairs roles, from monitoring the industry to preparing briefs, recommendations and responses to consultations. To ensure we keep up with new requirements in the function, we maintain long-term relationships with candidate and clients, and regularly attend industry events.
Recent Track Record:
- EMEA Head of Public Policy – Global Investment Bank – New York
- Managing Director, Regulator Affairs – Investment Management Group – New York
- Global Head of Regulatory Liaison/Policy – Global Retail Bank – Frankfurt
- Head of Prudential Policy – Global Retail Bank – London
- UK Head of Regulatory Relations – Global Investment Bank – London
- Head of IB Government Relations – Global Retail Bank – London
- Global Head of Bank Reputation, Legal – Global Investment Bank – London
- EMEA Head of Government Relations – Global Investment Bank – London
- EMEA Head of Regulatory Affairs – Global Investment Bank – London
- European Head of Legislative Affairs – Global FX Company – London
Human Resources
Whether you call it HR, People, P&C, HCM or Employee Success, never has the function been more critical to business success than in today’s climate of rapid change, in which traditional employment models, organizational structures and employee value propositions have all been thrown into question.
Leathwaite’s HR practice works in partnership with business and HR leaders to help organizations face these challenges. Built on deep functional specialism, the HR practice advises leaders on industry innovations, trends and threats and, through the provision of Executive Search, Executive Interim and Market Data solutions, works with clients to develop competitive advantage through their most critical asset – their people.
Whether seeking to appoint a new CHRO/CPO, talent mapping or succession planning at C-1 level, hiring an interim head of Talent Acquisition to manage an operating model transformation or running searches for HR Leadership Team roles, Leathwaite supports its clients with tailored solutions, high levels of communication and transparency and a firm commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.
In addition to CHRO and HR Director/Senior Business Partner engagements, areas of specialism include:
- Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
- People Analytics
- HR Service Delivery/HR Operations
- Total Reward
- Talent Management
- Learning & Development
- Talent Acquisition
- People Transformation
- Organizational Design & Effectiveness
Recent Track Record:
- Head of HR SE Asia, Global Private Equity
- APAC Head of HR, British Auction House
- Head of HR Functions Asia, Global Universal Bank
Legal
The role of the General Counsel is a critical position in what is now a complex business environment with increased focus and demands around legal, compliance and corporate governance. General Counsel are expanding their sphere of influence and breadth of remit, pushing into areas such as data security, privacy, and ESG. We strive to appoint General Counsel who make a difference, add commercial value and keep your organisation safe. Finding top-performers who can not only protect your business, but anticipate change. Our primary objective is to connect you with a richer and more diverse pool of talent, skills and thinking.
Our General Counsel practice works closely with publicly quoted, private and private-equity backed clients across a wide range of sectors. Our client base includes a number of UK Plcs and global corporates as well as the full spectrum of financial services across investment banking, retail banking, private equity and asset/funds management.
In addition to Leathwaite’s in-house legal practice, we enjoy a successful and thriving Partner search and Due Diligence business supporting leading law firms with strategic Partner appointments. We have an in-depth knowledge of the private practice legal market with access to an international network of senior talent.
Recent Track Record:
- Head of Legal & Compliance, Europe, Global Investment Bank, London
- Global Head of Bank Regulatory Legal, Global Bank, New York
- EMEA Head of Litigation Legal, Global Retail Bank, London
- European Head of Antitrust Legal, Technology Multinational, London
- International General Counsel, Healthcare Conglomerate, Barcelona
- General Counsel & Company Secretary, Financial Services Plc, London
- Global General Counsel, Professional Services, London
- Managing Legal Counsel, Oil & Gas Plc, Rotterdam
- Five Partner Corporate Team move, Global Law Firm, Melbourne/Sydney
- Partner, Employee Incentives, Global Law Firm, London
- Two Partner Private Equity Team move, International Law Firm, Shanghai
- Partner, Restructuring, Global Law Firm, Leeds
- Partner, Data Protection, International Firm, London
- Head of Legal Asia, European Private Bank
- General Counsel, HK Listed Company
- General Counsel APAC, European Investment Bank
- Head of Legal Asia, Global Asset Manager
Product & Distribution
As their remit grows, product, marketing and distribution executives need to be able to drive customer orientation, leverage technology and social media, measure reach and impact on target customers, and ultimately increase revenue.
We source and appraise exceptional candidates in product, marketing and distribution functions. From developing and distributing products via relevant channels, to delivering customer experience and marketing, we give our clients access to senior and emerging talent with the ability to create and implement market-leading solutions
Recent Track Record:
- Director of Small Business Financing – Global Digital Payments Company – London
- Managing Director, Faster Payments – Specialist Digital Payments Company – London
- Chief Digital Officer – Specialist Financial Services Organisation – Dubai
- Digital Propositions Director – Global Insurance Organisation – London
- Digital Director(s), Commercial Banking – Global Retail Bank – London
- APAC Head of Sales FinTech, Global Payments Company