Case Study #2

Global Alternative Investment Management Company

A first-time engagement to fill a Business Development role in a global alternative investment firm’s Financial Institutions Group, won against roughly 40 candidates.

Consultant: Masayuki Koito

The Background

Masayuki was engaged by a global alternative investment management company to fill a key Business Development role in its Financial Institutions Group. Despite a competitive landscape and a complex brief, he delivered top-tier global candidates—ultimately securing a successful hire through strategic search, tailored support, and trusted client partnership.

The Client

The client is a portfolio company of a leading global asset management firm, with approximately 1,900 employees worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, the company also has a strong presence across Europe and Asia. Backed by a solid capital base and the support of its parent firm, it is actively expanding its business and developing new products.

This was our first engagement with the client, and we were entrusted with conducting a search for a key Business Development role.

The Challenge

The position required coverage of Strategy and Partnership responsibilities within the Financial Institutions Group (FIG), demanding deep sector expertise.
The ideal candidate needed to come from a specialized background—Investment Banking (IBD) FIG, Consulting (Insurance/FIG), or Financial Advisory Services (FAS).
The candidate had to be a team player, able to operate flexibly and respond to evolving tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Work-life balance expectations needed careful management: the role was less demanding than investment banking but more intensive than traditional asset management.
Candidates were expected to demonstrate strong business-level English proficiency.
The compensation package was highly competitive—on par with or exceeding that of foreign investment banks—which required careful positioning and expectation management.
While major recruitment agencies had already submitted candidates, we needed to differentiate ourselves by introducing superior talent and making a clear impact.

The Solution & The Result

Speed and impact — Given the urgency, we moved quickly to identify and introduce high-caliber candidates. Although the position was based in Japan, we expanded our search globally to access a broader pool of qualified talent and deliver a strong impression.
Candidate selection — We presented three carefully selected candidates, each with a distinct professional background. All three advanced to interview, and one overseas-based candidate was shortlisted as one of the final two.
Evaluation process — As the candidate faced multiple English-language interviews with global management, we provided detailed briefings on the interviewers to reduce stress and increase motivation, delivering timely, insightful feedback to the client after each round.
Decision — Despite strong competition—approximately 40 candidates entered the process—our overseas-based candidate was ultimately selected and successfully hired.

Lessons Learned

Pride as a headhunter — We take pride in exceeding client expectations by introducing outstanding talent that rivals the capabilities of even the largest global search firms.
Comprehensive evaluation — Identifying the best candidate requires evaluation from multiple angles—not only technical skills, but adaptability, mindset, and cultural fit.
Balanced perspective — By maintaining an honest dialogue between client and candidate, we foster trust on both sides, resulting in successful, long-term placements.

← All case studies

Experience the Gift of Opportunity

Let's connect talent and opportunity
to shape a successful future.

Reach out today for a discovery call and discover how the exceptional candidates we introduce can add significant value to your organization.