Executive Search
Find the leader the mandate requires.
Retained search for executive, board, business-line and mission-critical leadership where the quality of the decision materially affects growth, risk, governance or operating performance.
We maintain long-term relationships with high-impact financial-services leaders and map the markets in which they operate. We do not rebuild the candidate universe each time a search opens.
Discuss a Leadership NeedSpecialized Search for High-Impact Banking and Financial Services Roles
Doherty Search Partners is a specialized leadership search firm focused on executive, board, business-line and mission-critical roles across banking, specialty lending, private capital and adjacent financial-services markets. We define the leadership requirement, map the relevant market, evaluate evidence and manage a confidential search through placement and transition.
We work exclusively on a retained basis. Our retained model supports the market mapping, assessment depth and independent client counsel required for consequential leadership decisions. We operate on a retained basis because the work requires sustained accountability to the mandate rather than transaction volume.
Where We Focus
Executive & Enterprise Leadership
CEO, President, COO, CFO, CRO, CCO, CLO, CIO/CTO and heads of major business lines. Board and governance search uses the same governed process with board-specific evaluation criteria.
Commercial Lending & Credit Leadership
Commercial banking, commercial lending, credit leadership, Chief Credit Officers, senior credit executives, specialty lending leadership across SBA, CRE, ABL, lender finance, fund finance, equipment finance, healthcare, franchise and vertical specialists.
Risk, Compliance & Governance
Chief Risk Officers, compliance executives, BSA/AML leaders, model-governance talent, third-party and fintech risk leaders. Strong demand for governance-capable leadership as institutions adopt AI-enabled decision support.
Technology, Product, Data & Digital Lending
Digital lending leadership, technology and product executives, data and analytics leaders, AI and LOS platform leaders. These roles are increasingly central as banking becomes more integrated and AI-driven.
What We Look For
We evaluate candidates for more than experience on paper. We separate verified experience, candidate statements, assessment insight and professional judgment before presenting anyone. The key question is not just what a candidate has done — it is whether they can deliver the outcome the institution needs.
- Banking and domain expertise relevant to the specific mandate
- Verified track record — not just claimed experience
- Strong judgment in ambiguity and exceptions
- Governance mindset and regulatory credibility
- Change leadership and operating-model experience
- Fit with the institution's culture, board and strategic direction
Why Retained Search
Our retained model supports the market mapping, assessment depth and independent client counsel required for consequential leadership decisions. We operate on a retained basis because the work requires sustained accountability to the mandate rather than transaction volume.
Great leadership decisions begin before the search. We maintain long-term relationships with high-impact leaders across financial services so we are not starting from zero when a critical position opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bank executive search take?
A well-run retained search for a senior banking or private credit role typically moves from kickoff to accepted offer in eight to twelve weeks. Timeline depends on role complexity, compensation alignment, and how clearly the role is defined before the search begins. Searches that stall almost always do so because of unclear role definition or misaligned compensation — both of which we address at the outset.
Do you work on a retained or contingency basis?
Doherty Search Partners works exclusively on a retained basis. Our retained model supports the market mapping, assessment depth and independent client counsel required for consequential leadership decisions. We operate on a retained basis because the work requires sustained accountability to the mandate—not transaction volume.
What roles do you place?
We focus on enterprise-level and mission-critical leadership roles across banking, specialty lending, and private credit — including CEO, COO, CFO, CRO, CCO, CLO, and heads of major business lines. We also place hybrid leaders with banking domain expertise and AI or data fluency, risk and governance talent, and specialty finance leaders across SBA, CRE, ABL, sponsor finance, healthcare lending, and adjacent sectors.
What is your fee structure?
Our retained search fee is structured in three installments: an engagement fee at kickoff, a progress fee at candidate presentation, and a completion fee at offer acceptance. The total fee is based on a percentage of the placed executive's first-year total compensation. We are happy to discuss specifics during an initial consultation — fee structures are tailored to the scope and complexity of each engagement.
Do you offer a placement guarantee?
Yes. We stand behind our placements with a guarantee period. If a placed executive departs within the guarantee window for reasons within the scope of our search, we will conduct a replacement search at no additional professional fee. The specific terms are outlined in our engagement agreement and discussed at the start of every search.
Where do you work geographically?
We conduct searches nationally across the United States. Our client base includes banks, specialty lenders, and private credit platforms from coast to coast. While our founder is based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, geography does not constrain our search work — we go where the best candidates are, and we work with clients wherever they operate.
How does Strategic Team Services (Mainlynk) differ from executive search?
Executive search addresses a defined leadership mandate. Strategic Team Services addresses the team as the unit of talent. DSP may build a coordinated team for an institution or confidentially represent an established team considering a move. Where the opportunity also requires a new or materially redesigned lending capability, Mainlynk may be separately engaged to evaluate the business, economics and operating architecture.
Discuss a Leadership Need
Whether you need one executive, a board member or a business-line leader, we are ready to have a confidential conversation about the mandate.
Discuss a Leadership NeedView Engagement Models