A publicly traded bank headquartered in the Midwest operating with an aggressive, acquisition-based growth plan, was looking for a new Head of Wealth Management.
The client needed an executive search firm with a deep specialization and understanding of the wealth management leadership landscape, but it was critically important that the firm also had cultural expertise of the Midwest, and a network of talent either in the Midwest, or ready to relocate there.
SLATE was selected and retained to conduct the search over the large search firms based on our financial services sector specialization coupled with our specific focus on working with clients in the Midwest and in smaller market cities.
“Working with SLATE is a significant step above the other search firms we’ve used. Their attention to detail, thorough approach to the market, and quality of candidates including a deep assessment of each made the process so much easier ”
The bank and the wealth management platforms were unique in that the asset sizes were similar, and the strategy was to 5X both within 5 years. The bank needed someone who could work closely with the executive team and senior leadership supporting organizational growth of the wealth business including expansion into additional geographies, niches, growth of the Family Office space, modernization of investment products and specialized services while ensuring appropriate risk management and pricing oversight. The role had P&L responsibility and acted as a stakeholder in the development and implementation of broader strategic plans.
Led by Managing Partner Matt Huffman, we tailored the search to provide a clear and complete picture of the leadership talent among the entire wealth management landscape, allowing the client to consider not only candidates sitting in the exact role, but also the succession ready talent at similar to larger firms, which is ultimately where the hire originated. Having spent decades focused on attracting executive talent, Matt not only provided a comprehensive view of the market, but also relationships with the candidate pool, including years of intel and understanding of their career paths, their personal situations, and their cultural fit with the client.
“Bringing the actual intel on the candidates, along with the assessment and the background details really helped us make the right decision. SLATE not only finds the candidates, but in many cases, they’d had relationships with them for years”
We presented our first slate of candidates in 3 weeks, which included the candidate who was hired.
As Midwest natives, we know the culture from Omaha to Chicago to Cincinnati and use that knowledge to your benefit when placing executives in the right role.
Tell us what’s on your mind. We’ll use our extensive network and cutting-edge technology to find the best solution for you.
