Trading Recruitment
Today’s capital markets landscape demands trading leaders who can drive consistent revenue generation through superior client execution and market making excellence while building scalable, profitable trading businesses. Electronic trading innovations are transforming investment banks, broker-dealers, and market making operations as algorithmic execution capabilities unlock new client acquisition opportunities, systematic market making processes enable disciplined liquidity provision, and advanced connectivity infrastructure creates competitive advantages in execution quality and client service.
Investment banking executives face a critical mandate: build trading capabilities that generate superior client returns and trading revenues while expanding market share and maintaining regulatory compliance across evolving market structures. As traditional voice trading faces competition from electronic execution and algorithmic trading platforms, new profit opportunities emerge daily for firms with the trading leadership to capture client flow systematically. Yet with innovation comes complexity—market making inventory risks requiring sophisticated hedging strategies, execution quality standards threatening competitive positioning, technology and operational risks requiring robust control frameworks, and the imperative to maintain client confidence while pushing electronic trading boundaries to generate consistent revenues across volatile market cycles.
Trading Leadership Search
Today's capital markets landscape demands trading leaders who can drive consistent revenue generation through superior client execution and market making excellence while building scalable, profitable trading businesses. Willard Powell delivers exceptional trading leadership across investment banks, broker-dealers, market making firms, and electronic trading platforms. Our deep understanding of capital markets dynamics and extensive networks enable us to identify leaders who combine market expertise with business acumen to generate consistent revenues and build enduring trading operations.
Sales Trading Leadership
Sales trading leadership drives revenue generation through exceptional client execution, relationship management, and sophisticated trading strategies. Success demands leaders who understand client flow dynamics, execution quality, and the operational infrastructure required to capture and retain institutional trading business across market cycles.
Today's sales trading organizations require leadership that balances client service with revenue optimization:
- Client Revenue & Relationship Management - Institutional coverage, wallet share growth, client retention strategies
- Execution Quality & Best Execution - Algorithm optimization, market impact analysis, regulatory compliance
- Cross-Selling & Product Integration - Multi-asset client coverage, product coordination, revenue synergies
- Electronic Trading Innovation - Client technology solutions, API connectivity, workflow optimization
- Market Share & Competitive Positioning - Client acquisition, competitive analysis, market positioning
We deliver exceptional sales trading leadership across:
Sales Trading Management & P&L
- Head of Sales Trading - Client relationship P&L, revenue generation, team leadership and performance management
- Sales Trading Desk Heads - Equity, Fixed Income, FX & Commodities client coverage and execution
- Electronic Sales Trading Leaders - Algorithmic execution, client technology, electronic workflow optimization
- Cross-Asset Coverage Heads - Multi-product client management, coordination, revenue optimization
- Institutional Sales Leaders - Client acquisition, relationship development, competitive positioning
Client Technology & Execution Excellence
- Client Execution Specialists - Algorithm customization, execution analysis, client consultation
- Trading Analytics Leaders - Transaction cost analysis, execution quality measurement, performance reporting
- Client Technology Directors - API development, client connectivity, electronic trading platforms
- Best Execution Officers - Regulatory compliance, execution quality, venue analysis
Sales trading leadership requires deep understanding of client needs, market microstructure, and the technological capabilities needed to deliver superior execution while building long-term institutional relationships. Our clients seek leaders who can drive revenue growth through client service excellence and execution innovation.
Our difference? We understand that sales trading success requires more than execution excellence—it demands leaders who can build profitable client relationships through superior service, innovative technology solutions, and operational excellence. Our networks span global investment banks, regional broker-dealers, and electronic trading platforms, providing access to leaders who combine market expertise with proven client relationship building capabilities.
Connect with our founder to discuss your sales trading leadership needs:
David McInnis – david.mcinnis@willardpowell.comMarket Making Leadership
Market making leadership drives profitability through sophisticated liquidity provision, inventory risk management, and systematic spread capture. Success demands leaders who understand market microstructure, inventory optimization, and the technological infrastructure required to compete effectively in electronic markets while managing principal trading risks.
Today's market making organizations require leadership that balances profitability with risk management:
- Liquidity Provision & Spread Optimization - Market making strategies, spread capture, competitive positioning
- Inventory Risk & Position Management - Principal trading risk, hedging strategies, capital efficiency
- Electronic Market Making - Automated liquidity provision, algorithmic trading, latency optimization
- Multi-Asset Market Making - Cross-product strategies, correlation trading, portfolio approach
- Regulatory Compliance & Market Structure - Market making obligations, regulatory requirements, venue relationships
We deliver exceptional market making leadership across:
Market Making Strategy & P&L
- Head of Market Making - Market making P&L responsibility, liquidity provision strategy, team leadership
- Electronic Market Making Leaders - Automated market making, algorithmic strategies, technology optimization
- Flow Trading Desk Heads - Client flow internalization, inventory management, hedging strategies
- Principal Trading Leaders - Proprietary trading strategies, risk management, capital allocation
- Cross-Asset Trading Heads - Multi-product market making, correlation strategies, portfolio optimization
Risk Management & Technology Leadership
- Trading Risk Officers - Market making risk frameworks, position limits, stress testing
- Inventory Management Leaders - Position optimization, hedging strategies, capital efficiency
- Market Making Technology Directors - Trading algorithms, market connectivity, latency optimization
- Quantitative Trading Analysts - Market microstructure research, strategy optimization, performance analysis
Market making leadership requires sophisticated understanding of market dynamics, risk management principles, and the technological capabilities needed to compete in modern electronic markets. The most effective leaders balance aggressive market making with prudent risk management while building scalable trading operations.
Our difference? We understand that market making success requires more than spread capture—it demands leaders who can build systematic liquidity provision businesses through sophisticated risk management, technological innovation, and operational discipline. Our networks across electronic market makers, investment bank trading desks, and proprietary trading firms provide access to leaders who combine deep market microstructure knowledge with proven ability to build and scale profitable market making operations.
Connect with our founder to discuss your market making leadership needs:
David McInnis – david.mcinnis@willardpowell.comElectronic Trading Leadership
Electronic trading leadership drives competitive advantage through algorithmic execution, trading technology innovation, and systematic automation of trading processes. Success demands leaders who understand market structure evolution, execution algorithms, and the technological infrastructure required to deliver superior execution quality and operational efficiency.
Today's electronic trading organizations require leadership that balances innovation with operational reliability:
- Algorithmic Execution & Strategy Development - Execution algorithms, smart order routing, market impact optimization
- Trading Platform Architecture - Low-latency systems, market connectivity, trading infrastructure
- Client Technology Solutions - API development, client connectivity, electronic workflow integration
- Market Data & Analytics - Real-time market data, execution analytics, performance measurement
- Regulatory Technology & Compliance - Best execution reporting, regulatory compliance, audit trail management
We deliver exceptional electronic trading leadership across:
Electronic Trading Strategy & Technology
- Head of Electronic Trading - Electronic trading strategy, platform development, technology roadmap
- Algorithmic Trading Directors - Execution algorithm development, smart order routing, optimization strategies
- Trading Technology Leaders - Platform architecture, market connectivity, system performance optimization
- Client Electronic Services Heads - API development, client technology, electronic workflow solutions
- Electronic Market Making Leaders - Automated market making, electronic liquidity provision
Trading Operations & Analytics
- Trading Operations Directors - Electronic trade processing, straight-through processing, operational efficiency
- Trading Analytics Leaders - Execution quality analysis, transaction cost analytics, performance measurement
- Market Data Management Heads - Real-time data feeds, market data normalization, analytics platforms
- Electronic Compliance Officers - Best execution compliance, regulatory reporting, electronic audit trails
Electronic trading leadership requires deep understanding of market structure, algorithmic execution, and the technological capabilities needed to compete effectively in modern electronic markets. Success demands balancing innovation with operational reliability while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Our difference? We understand that electronic trading success requires more than technological sophistication—it demands leaders who can build scalable electronic execution capabilities that deliver measurable client value while maintaining operational excellence. Our networks across electronic trading firms, investment bank technology groups, and algorithmic trading platforms provide access to leaders who combine deep technical knowledge with proven ability to build and optimize electronic trading operations.
Connect with our founder to discuss your electronic trading leadership needs:
David McInnis – david.mcinnis@willardpowell.comTrading Operations Leadership
Trading operations leadership drives operational excellence through efficient trade processing, settlement automation, and systematic risk controls. Success demands leaders who understand trade lifecycle management, operational risk mitigation, and the technological infrastructure required to support high-volume trading operations with regulatory compliance.
Today's trading operations organizations require leadership that balances efficiency with control:
- Trade Lifecycle Management - Trade capture, confirmation, settlement, operational efficiency
- Operational Risk & Controls - Trade breaks, error management, operational risk frameworks
- Settlement & Clearing Operations - Multi-asset settlement, clearing relationships, operational optimization
- Regulatory Reporting & Compliance - Trade reporting, regulatory submissions, audit trail management
- Technology & Automation - Straight-through processing, workflow automation, operational technology
We deliver exceptional trading operations leadership across:
Operations Management & Efficiency
- Head of Trading Operations - Operational strategy, team leadership, efficiency optimization
- Settlement Operations Directors - Multi-asset settlement, clearing operations, operational risk management
- Trade Processing Heads - Trade lifecycle management, operational controls, error resolution
- Operations Technology Leaders - Operational systems, automation, workflow optimization
- Regulatory Operations Directors - Trade reporting, regulatory compliance, submission management
Risk Management & Controls
- Operational Risk Officers - Operational risk frameworks, control testing, risk mitigation
- Trade Control Managers - Trade verification, confirmation matching, break resolution
- Settlement Risk Managers - Settlement risk, counterparty risk, operational exposure
- Compliance Operations Leaders - Operational compliance, regulatory requirements, audit support
Trading operations leadership requires understanding both operational efficiency and risk control, managing high-volume processing while maintaining accuracy and regulatory compliance, and building scalable operations that support business growth.
Our difference? We understand that trading operations success requires more than processing efficiency—it demands leaders who can build resilient operational frameworks that enable trading business growth while maintaining rigorous risk controls. Our networks across investment bank operations, electronic trading firms, and operational technology providers give us access to leaders who combine deep operational expertise with proven ability to build and scale trading operations that support revenue generation.
Connect with our founder to discuss your trading operations leadership needs:
David McInnis – david.mcinnis@willardpowell.comTrading Risk & Compliance Leadership
Trading risk and compliance leadership drives business protection through sophisticated risk management, regulatory compliance, and systematic control frameworks. Success demands leaders who understand trading risk dynamics, evolving regulatory requirements, and the operational infrastructure required to maintain compliance while enabling profitable trading operations.
Today's trading risk and compliance organizations require leadership that balances protection with business enablement:
- Trading Risk Management - Market risk, credit risk, operational risk frameworks for trading
- Regulatory Compliance - MiFID II, Dodd-Frank, CFTC, SEC compliance and reporting
- Best Execution & Market Conduct - Best execution analysis, market abuse prevention, conduct risk
- Risk Technology & Analytics - Risk measurement systems, stress testing, scenario analysis
- Governance & Controls - Risk governance, control frameworks, audit and examination support
We deliver exceptional trading risk and compliance leadership across:
Risk Management Leadership
- Chief Risk Officers - Trading - Trading risk strategy, risk appetite, enterprise risk management
- Market Risk Directors - Market risk measurement, VaR modeling, stress testing
- Credit Risk Managers - Trading - Counterparty risk, settlement risk, collateral management
- Operational Risk Leaders - Trading operational risk, control frameworks, loss mitigation
- Risk Technology Directors - Risk measurement systems, analytics platforms, risk reporting
Compliance & Regulatory Leadership
- Chief Compliance Officers - Trading - Regulatory compliance strategy, compliance risk management
- Best Execution Officers - Best execution compliance, venue analysis, execution quality
- Market Conduct Officers - Market abuse prevention, conduct risk, surveillance oversight
- Regulatory Reporting Directors - Trade reporting, regulatory submissions, data quality
- Trading Compliance Managers - Trading rules compliance, control testing, issue remediation
Trading risk and compliance leadership requires balancing business protection with revenue enablement, maintaining comprehensive risk oversight while supporting trading innovation, and building control frameworks that adapt to evolving regulatory requirements.
Our difference? We understand that trading risk and compliance success requires more than regulatory adherence—it demands leaders who can build risk management frameworks that protect the business while enabling profitable trading operations. Our networks across investment bank risk functions, regulatory bodies, and compliance technology firms provide access to leaders who combine deep regulatory knowledge with proven ability to build and manage risk frameworks that support trading business growth.
Connect with our founder to discuss your trading risk and compliance leadership needs:
David McInnis – david.mcinnis@willardpowell.comConnect with Willard Powell Leadership
Whether you're an executive seeking new opportunities or looking to build your leadership team, we're here to help.
For Executive Leaders
Explore exceptional leadership opportunities with leading organizations across diverse industries. Our team connects top-tier executive talent with companies seeking transformational leaders.
Recommend Yourself
- Email us your resume and brief leadership introduction
- Specify your functional expertise and leadership experience
- Include your industry background and career aspirations
- Highlight your achievements, impact metrics, and compensation expectations
Why Executive Leaders Choose Us
- Access to exclusive C-suite, VP, and senior leadership roles
- Confidential representation across multiple industries
- Strategic career guidance for leadership advancement
- Deep expertise in executive requirements across sectors
- Long-term partnership approach to career development
- Understanding of both functional skills and strategic leadership needs
For Organizations
Build exceptional leadership teams that drive organizational transformation and competitive advantage. We partner with companies to identify and secure transformational executive talent for critical roles.
Request Leadership Talent Recommendations
- Email us your specific leadership needs and requirements
- Describe the role, functional requirements, and ideal leader profile
- Include strategic objectives, organizational culture, and growth plans
- Specify timeline, industry considerations, and confidentiality needs
Our Leadership Expertise Spans
- Executive Leadership - CEOs, COOs, Presidents, General Managers
- Operations & Strategy - Transformation leaders, process optimization, strategic planning
- Sales & Marketing - Revenue growth, brand development, customer acquisition
- Finance & Analytics - CFOs, financial planning, business intelligence, data strategy
- Human Resources - Talent strategy, organizational development, culture transformation
- Technology & Innovation - Digital transformation, product development, innovation management
- Risk & Compliance - Governance, regulatory affairs, enterprise risk management
- Industry Specialists - Sector-specific expertise across multiple verticals
Ready to Connect?
Reach out to our leadership team to discuss your executive leadership needs or career aspirations:
David McInnis
Founder & Managing Partner
david.mcinnis@willardpowell.com
Stewart Sloan
Partner
stewart.sloan@willardpowell.com