Head of Business Development - Middle East
A specialist global investment manager is seeking a Head of Business Development for the Middle East to lead institutional fundraising and strategic client engagement across the region.
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for driving capital raising, strengthening long-term institutional relationships, and expanding the firm’s presence with sovereign wealth funds, pensions, insurers, endowments, and large family offices across the GCC.
The role combines hands-on fundraising with regional strategy ownership, working closely with senior investment leadership and global distribution teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead institutional fundraising efforts across the Middle East for existing and future investment strategies
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Originate and convert new institutional relationships while deepening existing partnerships
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Develop and execute a clear regional distribution strategy aligned with firm-wide objectives
- Act as the primary senior point of contact for sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, insurers, and large family offices
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Manage complex, long-cycle institutional sales processes, including RFPs, due diligence, and mandate negotiations
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Deliver high-quality client presentations alongside portfolio managers and investment teams
- Partner closely with investment teams to position strategies effectively for institutional audiences
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Provide market intelligence and investor feedback to inform product development and fund structuring
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Collaborate with global distribution, marketing, and client service teams to ensure consistent messaging
- Represent the firm at regional industry events, conferences, and investor forums
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Strengthen the firm’s institutional brand and long-term positioning across the Middle East
Candidate Profile
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Extensive experience in institutional business development or fundraising within asset management
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Strong network across Middle Eastern institutional investors, particularly within the GCC
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Deep understanding of public and/or private market investment strategies and institutional allocation processes
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Proven ability to lead senior-level investor conversations and close large, complex mandates
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Entrepreneurial mindset with the credibility to operate as a regional figurehead