Executive Search

Securing exceptional leadership for the world’s financial institutions.

A multi-award-winning, family-owned search partner to asset managers, private markets and wealth platforms — identifying and securing the talent that defines a firm’s next chapter.

4.9/5 from 127 client reviews
Aerial view of the City of London financial district, Tower Bridge and the River Thames

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Years of search experience

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Senior appointments delivered

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Markets covered worldwide

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Retained-search completion rate

Who we are

A family business built on trust and discretion.

We partner with clients to help fulfil their strategic goals — identifying and securing top-tier talent that aligns with their vision. Our approach goes beyond recruitment to build long-term relationships that contribute to sustainable success.

We are equally committed to the professionals we place — providing personalised guidance at every stage of their careers. We pride ourselves on the integrity, expertise and positive impact we bring to both organisations and individuals.

  • Integrity and discretion in every mandate
  • Deep specialism across financial services
  • Long-term relationships, not transactions
Our expertise

Specialist search across every function

From the boardroom to the back office, we cover the full breadth of leadership and specialist talent that financial services firms depend on.

Board & C-Suite

Chair, non-executive and executive leadership mandates — from CEO and CIO through to Chief of Staff — for institutions defining their next chapter.

  • CEO
  • CIO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • Chief of Staff

Front Office & Investment

Public and private markets investment talent across the seniority spectrum, from analyst through to Head of Investments and Portfolio Manager.

  • Portfolio Manager
  • Investment Director
  • Head of Investments

Distribution & Capital Formation

Investor relations, fundraising and business development professionals who build international distribution and raise capital at scale.

  • Investor Relations
  • Fundraising
  • Business Development

Middle & Back Office

Compliance, finance and operations leadership that underpins growth — the functions that let investment businesses scale with confidence.

  • Chief Compliance Officer
  • Head of Operations
  • Finance Director

Private Markets

Specialist coverage across private credit, private equity, secondaries and infrastructure — the strategies driving today's strongest market demand.

  • Private Credit
  • Secondaries
  • Special Situations

Market Intelligence & Advisory

Bespoke benchmarking on compensation, incentives and benefits, plus competitor mapping and M&A target analysis to inform every talent decision.

  • Compensation Benchmarking
  • Talent Mapping
  • M&A Analysis
Global reach

Local insight, international perspective

Headquartered in the UK with deep coverage across Europe, and a growing presence in the Middle East and the United States.

Core markets

United Kingdom & Europe

  • London
  • Edinburgh
  • Dublin
  • Amsterdam
  • Geneva
  • Frankfurt
Strategic growth

Middle East & United States

  • Dubai
  • Abu Dhabi
  • New York
  • Boston
  • Dallas
  • Atlanta
Selective mandates

Asia-Pacific

  • Singapore
  • Hong Kong
Client testimonials

Trusted by leaders across financial services

4.9/5 from 127 client reviews

We used SES when looking for a Chief Financial Officer. They have extensive experience of recruiting senior finance professionals and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone.

COO

Dianomi

Our approach

A considered, relationship-led process

Every search is bespoke. Our process is built on rigour, discretion and a genuine understanding of your business.

Arrange a consultation
  1. 01

    Discovery & mandate definition

    We begin by understanding your strategy, culture and the precise shape of the role — aligning on success before any search begins.

  2. 02

    Market mapping & research

    Detailed mapping of the relevant market identifies the full universe of talent, including high performers who are not actively looking.

  3. 03

    Discreet origination & assessment

    Confidential approaches and rigorous assessment of technical capability, commercial judgement and cultural alignment for every shortlist.

  4. 04

    Placement & long-term partnership

    We manage offer, onboarding and integration — then stay close, because the best appointments are measured in years, not weeks.

Start a conversation

Let’s find the leadership your firm deserves.

Whether you are planning a critical hire or exploring the market in confidence, we would be glad to talk — discreetly and without obligation.