From Algorithm to Asset: Executive Search for a FinTech Managing Director

>The Background 

Calculating the Potential 

A Wall Street-backed fintech innovator sought a Managing Director for India to lead its Mumbai and Noida operations. This role demanded a proven leader with extensive experience in large-scale tech operations, P&L ownership, and the ability to foster innovation within a global matrix structure. 

>The Challenge 

Adding Up the Requirements 

Our firm was retained to conduct an executive search for a Managing Director in India, prompted by the company’s rapid expansion. The mandate came with several complexities. The global leadership expressed a preference for candidates with exceptional experience in technology and data organizations, capable of managing more than five hundred employees across engineering, data operations, and G&A functions. 

The role required an exceptional talent development and operational excellence leader for a high-growth, globally distributed firm. The client prioritized a collaborative, values-driven leader who could bridge local and global teams while embodying transparency and accountability. 

The hire was critical to supporting the company’s expansion amid increasing demand for its research and analytics platforms. 

>The Solution 

Multiplying Our Efforts 

To secure the ideal India leader, we approached the search systematically. We conducted extensive research across the fintech ecosystem to identify potential candidates. We targeted seasoned leaders with more than fifteen years of experience scaling fintech operations or managing global capability centers. 

We identified candidates with demonstrated P&L ownership and cross-border collaboration experience. We rigorously assessed each candidate’s capabilities in operational scaling, stakeholder management, building cross-functional teams, and fostering global collaboration. 

We presented a balanced slate with fifty percent gender diversity, carefully evaluating both technical expertise and transformational leadership qualities. 

>The Results 

The Perfect Equation 

We delivered a finalist pool of five exceptional candidates, each offering distinctive qualifications. Our selected candidate brought proven experience managing large teams at a major financial institution with demonstrated excellence in offshore strategy and operational efficiency. 

As a board member and diversity champion, the successful candidate offered valuable global perspective and alignment with corporate values. The appointed executive had previously championed diversity and inclusion initiatives, perfectly aligning with the client’s commitment to creating engaging workplaces. 

Within six months of joining, the new Managing Director streamlined cross-functional collaboration and implemented talent development programs that successfully reduced attrition by twenty percent.