Case Study

PROBLEM

CIB mandated DES to lead a search for a new Head of Asset Management, reporting to the CFO. With ~75 investments across clean power, green infrastructure, public transit, trade and transportation, broadband and Indigenous infrastructure, CIB sought a candidate who would refashion the role with a mandate focused on managing CIB’s growing portfolio of loans, bonds and equity participations.

The Search Committee was open to both experienced and high-potential candidates. The candidate’s remit was designed to be broad, with responsibility for developing & executing asset management strategies, building models and creating standards and guidelines for the group, while also coordinating with the Legal, Risk and Investments functions. As such, we required a candidate with a dynamic nature to serve in a “QB” capacity.

APPROACH

Our search targeted professionals with backgrounds in project finance, transaction advisory services, mid-market PE and infrastructure asset management, along with candidates from industry (ie: renewables, IPPs and other “strategics” in the space). To a lesser degree, we considered investment bankers who were specialists in this arena.

Our search led to a strong field, with candidates from various provinces and seniority levels. We were most attracted to those from broad-based backgrounds, including engineering, capital markets and industry experience. With people leadership and collaboration being key competencies, those individuals who had a strong record of mentorship and team building were prioritized.