At Volar Executive Search, results are defined by measurable outcomes – operational readiness, accelerated growth, and investor confidence. Each engagement below demonstrates how disciplined process, market intelligence, and partnership translate into lasting value for investor-backed businesses.
Placed a CFO who aligned financial strategy with science-driven growth, enabling a major licensing deal and global product launch.
A biotechnology and skincare innovator focused on inflammatory and aging-related skin conditions required a CFO to lead financial strategy during commercialization.
The company combined early-stage R&D with commercial product lines, demanding a CFO who could manage complex funding, IP licensing, and international distribution.
Volar partnered with the CEO and board to define a finance leadership profile combining scientific literacy, capital markets experience, and operational agility. The search targeted candidates from therapeutics, dermatology, and consumer health.
Recruited a CFO with 20+ years of biotech and consumer health experience who established financial rigor and global scalability. The company completed a licensing transaction and accelerated the rollout of its skincare portfolio across multiple markets.
Recruited COO to build institutional infrastructure, secure operational readiness, and scale AUM within 18 months.
A newly established private equity–backed investment management firm sought a Chief Operating Officer to build institutional operations from inception and support the scaling of assets under management.
The firm required a COO with both entrepreneurial drive and institutional discipline — capable of designing systems, compliance, and finance functions that could withstand investor and regulatory scrutiny while partnering closely with the founding CIO.
Volar partnered with the private equity sponsor and founding team to define a leadership blueprint emphasizing institutional control and founder chemistry. The search targeted leaders who had launched or scaled regulated entities, managed operational transitions, and built infrastructure for institutional LPs.
Appointed a COO with proven experience in both start-up and institutional asset management environments. Within 12 months, the firm achieved full operational readiness, completed its first close, and scaled significantly within 18 months.
Enabled seamless succession and leadership continuity with no client attrition and sustained AUM growth post-transition.
A $5B multi-asset investment manager faced the planned retirement of its founding CIO. Leadership sought a structured, transparent succession process that would ensure continuity of investment performance and client trust.
The outgoing CIO held deep client relationships and was integral to the firm’s identity. Balancing internal succession potential with external benchmarking required careful navigation of cultural and stakeholder dynamics.
Volar conducted a dual-track process — assessing internal leadership candidates while running an external market calibration. Evaluation criteria included investment philosophy, leadership presence, & client engagement capability.
An internal successor was appointed with the support of external validation, reinforcing credibility and stability. Transition communications were well-received, maintaining client confidence and delivering uninterrupted AUM growth.
Appointed a transformational CMO who repositioned the firm’s brand, relaunched its digital platform, and reignited growth momentum.
A $6B asset manager undergoing brand repositioning sought a marketing leader to modernize digital strategy and institutional engagement after stagnant growth.
Marketing was siloed and viewed as a cost center, with limited integration across distribution and strategy. The firm needed a commercially minded CMO to align marketing with revenue outcomes.
Volar partnered with the CEO and Head of Distribution to define a transformation agenda. The search targeted senior marketing executives from leading asset management and global financial institutions with proven experience in brand reinvention, digital transformation, and data-driven engagement.
Recruited a CMO who revitalized the firm’s positioning, integrated digital channels, and aligned marketing with sales execution. Within 18 months, the firm relaunched its brand platform, strengthened client engagement, and returned to positive AUM growth.
Facilitated a lift-out transaction that added fixed-income capability and retained 95% of client assets post-acquisition.
A mid-sized asset manager sought to expand its platform by acquiring a high-quality, investment-grade fixed income team with institutional mandates
The acquirer required cultural and operational compatibility to ensure smooth integration and client retention.
Volar conducted a targeted market-mapping exercise of sub-$1B fixed income teams positioned for new institutional backing. Through discreet introductions and facilitated discussions, we aligned the transaction’s commercial and integration dynamics.
A successful $750M AUM team lift-out was completed, enhancing the firm’s institutional credibility. 95% of client assets transitioned, and the integration positioned the acquirer for future multi-asset mandates.
Across these mandates, common patterns emerge:
Every leadership search tells a story of partnership, precision, and performance. Let’s start yours.
