StephensonExecutive Search

Executive Search · Mayfair, London

Exceptional Leadership for Financial Institutions

A family-owned executive search partner to asset managers, private markets and wealth platforms, delivered with discretion and care.

  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • United States
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Ruffer
  • LGT
  • Close Brothers
  • Dianomi
  • Ruffer
  • LGT
  • Close Brothers
  • Dianomi
A family business

Built on Trust & Discretion

We partner with clients to fulfil their strategic goals — securing the leaders who align with their vision, and building relationships that last for decades.

“Our name is on every search we undertake. That is a responsibility we take personally — and it is why clients stay with us for decades, not mandates.”

Billy StephensonFounder
Ownership
Independent & family-owned
Headquarters
Mayfair, London
Coverage
UK · Europe · Middle East · US · Asia-Pacific

  1. Integrity and discretion in every mandate

  2. Deep specialism across financial services

  3. Long-term relationships, not transactions

What we do

Expertise for Every Function

From the boardroom to the back office — the full breadth of leadership and specialist talent.

Board & C-Suite

Chair, non-executive and C-suite mandates — CEO, CIO, COO and CFO appointments for boards and institutions defining their next chapter of growth.

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Front Office & Investment

Investment talent across public and private markets, from portfolio managers and investment directors through to heads of investments and CIOs.

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Distribution & Capital Formation

Investor relations, fundraising and business development leaders who raise capital, deepen investor coverage and build global distribution networks.

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Middle & Back Office

Compliance officers, heads of operations and finance directors — the vital control functions that let investment firms scale with confidence.

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Private Markets

Specialist coverage across private credit, private equity, growth capital, secondaries and special situations in the alternative investment ecosystem.

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Market Intelligence & Advisory

Compensation benchmarking, talent mapping and M&A target analysis that inform every strategic decision on senior talent throughout the market cycle.

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Two Decades

Led personally, start to finish.

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Years of Experience
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Senior Appointments
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Markets Worldwide
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Search Completion Rate
Where we operate

The Sectors We Serve

We work across the financial services ecosystem — from global institutions to entrepreneurial investment businesses.

Global reach

Explore Our Coverage

Headquartered in the UK, with coverage across Europe, the Middle East, the United States and Asia-Pacific.

EuropeMiddle EastUnited StatesAsia-Pacific

  • Europe

    London · Edinburgh · Dublin · Amsterdam · Frankfurt · Geneva

  • Middle East

    Dubai · Abu Dhabi

  • United States

    New York · Boston · Atlanta · Dallas

  • Asia-Pacific

    Singapore · Hong Kong

Our approach

A Considered Process

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

Get in Touch

  1. 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. Market Mapping & Research

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

  3. Discreet Origination & Assessment

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

  4. Placement & Partnership

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

Client feedback

Testimonials

Retained by boards and investment teams across the sector — in their words.

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.

DianomiCOO