About International Executive Search

Delivering senior private banking talent across global markets

International Executive Search is a specialist executive search firm focused on the Financial Services sector, working with the leading private banks across global wealth management markets.

Founded in 2008, the firm has built a strong reputation for delivering senior appointments within private banking and private wealth management. With deep market knowledge and an extensive international network, International Executive Search supports clients with strategic hires across key financial centres including London, Switzerland, the Middle East and Africa.

Over the years, the firm has developed significant market intelligence through long-standing relationships across the private banking sector. This insight enables International Executive Search to identify and deliver exceptional talent for organisations seeking experienced professionals who can drive growth, strengthen client relationships and expand international wealth management platforms.

Leadership

Stephen Heal, Founder of International Executive Search

International Executive Search is led by its Founder, Stephen Heal, who has more than three decades of experience in executive search and over two decades specialising in private banking and private wealth management.

Throughout his career, Stephen has built and developed several successful executive search teams focused on private banking. In 2007 he founded HBI in partnership with James Caan’s Hamilton Bradshaw private equity firm, building the business from inception into the most profitable company in the portfolio before completing a management buyout in 2016.

Prior to this, Stephen established the Private Wealth Management team of an AIM-listed company, taking it to the number one position for production and reputation. Earlier in his career, he founded the private banking division of a niche financial services executive search firm.

Stephen has been responsible for numerous high-profile moves and placements within private wealth management across the UK, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. This breadth of experience has enabled him to build International Executive Search into a firm with deep expertise in the global private banking market.

Stephen continues to play an active role in facilitating senior hires and mandates while developing and implementing the firm’s strategic direction.

About International Executive Search

Market Leader in Private Banking

International Executive Search is a leading private wealth management search specialist with a long-standing reputation for delivering market intelligence, tailored research and consultative guidance for senior private banking hires. With decades of experience and a strong Middle East network, we are the partner of choice for complex, high-profile executive searches in private banking.

Our Mission

Since 2008, International Executive Search has delivered senior private banking talent across the Middle East and globally. By combining sector expertise with a structured, proven methodology, we consistently deliver the right candidates for critical roles.

Partnership:

We believe in becoming a long-term trusted advisor, building enduring client relationships demonstrated through our high level of repeat business.

Meritocracy:

Rewarding success and entrepreneurial drive ensures we deliver every assignment with accountability and excellence.

Ethics & Integrity:

Our transparent methodology and a self-imposed code of practice in an unregulated market, guarantee ethical and professional conduct throughout every search assignment.

Responsibility:

We maintain full accountability for each assignment, from mandate origination through to successful onboarding.

Consistency:

Our structured, proven methodology underpins our 100% success rate on retained mandates.
Scope – Execute – Close

Our Methodology

01. Briefing

We undertake a full briefing to ensure full understanding of your organisational structure, key business drivers, issues and role requirements.

02. Market Mapping:

We identify senior candidates globally from agreed target institutions and geographical locations.

03. Long List:

An initial review of relevant candidates to prioritise a targeted list of approaches.

04. Short List:

Full candidate interviews and evaluations submitted, with detailed profiles for your review.

05. Process:

Full-cycle candidate management from approach to offer acceptance.

06. Closure:

We support candidates through resignation, notice periods and onboarding to ensure a smooth transition.

Global Track Record

International Executive Search has an exemplary track record in global executive search with 75% of our mandates for positions overseas. 

Recent high-profile placements include:

Dubai

  • Team Move – Managing Director and Director, Middle East, Dubai
  • CEO – Islamic Banking Division, Dubai
  • Head of Investment Advisory – Middle East, Onshore, Dubai
  • Team Leader – Arabian Gulf, Dubai
  • Director – Dubai

Middle East & North Africa

  • CEO – No 1 Producer, Abu Dhabi
  • Managing Director – Abu Dhabi & Al Ain, Dubai
  • CEO – Egypt
  • CEO – No 1 Producer – Qatar
  • Head of Private Banking – Kuwait
  • Director Private Bank – Bahrain

Saudi Arabia

  • Head of Wealth Advisory – Saudi Arabia
  • Head of Investments CMA – Saudi Arabia
  • Director – Saudi Arabia
  • Managing Director – Saudi Arabia
  • Associate Director – Saudi Arabia, London

Switzerland

  • Team Move – Director, Egypt and Geneva
  • Head of UAE – Geneva
  • Head of Middle East – Geneva
  • Director – Geneva
  • Managing Director Middle East Private Bank – Zurich
Enquire today

CONTACT US

Whether you are making a key senior hire or planning longer-term growth, get in touch to see how we can support you.