Practice

Financial Services

The Financial Services industry is undergoing profound disruption, driven by rapid technological advancement—from the rise of fintech and digital payments to the integration of AI, blockchain, and advanced data analytics. At the same time, institutions face growing regulatory complexity, mounting cybersecurity risks, and shifting market expectations.

To remain competitive, financial organizations must embrace sustainable growth strategies anchored in exceptional customer experience, responsible practices, and technology-led innovation. This includes boosting productivity and replacing legacy systems with more efficient, user-centric solutions.

Thriving in this evolving landscape requires leadership with a strategic mindset, operational agility, and deep fluency in emerging technologies—capable of navigating change while upholding sound governance.

What We Do

Our globally connected team collaborates across the full Financial Services ecosystem, offering a holistic approach to talent strategy that extends beyond traditional search methodologies.

Our suite of services includes: 

  • Executive search
  • Leadership consulting
  • Executive assessment
  • Succession planning

Our Expertise

We serve financial institutions across a broad spectrum of sub-sectors, bringing deep industry knowledge and specialized insight

Industry Specialties

  • Corporate & Investment Banking
  • Asset & Wealth Management
  • Retail & Commercial Banking
  • Insurance & Reinsurance
  • Consumer Credit
  • Payments
  • Fintech

Functional Specialties

  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Chief Investment Officer
  • Chief Marketing Officer
  • Chief Operating Officer
  • Chief Risk Officer
  • Director, Marketing & Communications
  • Global Benefits Lead
  • Head of People
  • Head of Strategy
  • Managing Director
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Actuary
  • Senior Vice President, Commercial Lines
  • Vice President Enterprise Data Analytics
  • Vice President, Enterprise Project Management Office
  • Vice President, Financial Business Partner, Operations
  • Vice President, Human Resources

Practice Team

Peter Grech

Partner

Peter has over 25 years of experience in executive search spanning several continents.

Eugenio Riquelme

Partner

Eugenio brings extensive experience as a search consultant and leadership advisor, specializing in the financial sector across diverse industries and organizational levels. 

Kathy Tompkins

Partner

Kathy has more than 25 years of executive search experience in the financial services industry. 

Kelly Smith O'Hara

Partner

Kelly is a seasoned executive search advisor known for her expertise in placing top-tier HR executives.

Constance Kassouf

Partner

Constance focuses on recruitment of senior leaders in investment banking and capital markets, private credit, and corporate M&A

Tom Wilson

Partner

Tom Wilson is a seasoned talent and search executive with broad expertise in recruiting senior leadership and revenue-driving roles across financial services, with deep knowledge in asset management, capital markets, and investment banking.

Arnaud Tesson

Partner, Vice Chair of the Global Board Practice

Arnaud Tesson is a Partner at August Leadership and Vice Chair of the firm’s Board Practice. His work focuses on advising boards of directors on director succession, recruitment, and board effectiveness. His expertise centers on addressing pressing board concerns, including AI, sustainability, and strategies for enhanced governance.

Daanish Iqbal

Partner

As a highly accomplished relationship builder with a track record of excellence, Daanish has played a pivotal role in placing over 120 CEO and C-level executives.

Gavin O' Malley

Partner

Gavin has been working in executive search for the last 13 years, having previously spent 10 years in international and local marketing roles at Unilever.

Jerry McGrath

Partner

Jerry manages searches for HR leaders across diverse industries and organizations, leveraging his three decades of global HR and executive search expertise. 

Mary Macleod

Partner

As a trusted leadership advisor to boards, Mary chairs the Board & CEO Practice at August Leadership.

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