Head Of Business Development - Middle East - Venture Search

Overview
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 the CEO and global distribution teams.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead institutional fundraising efforts across the Middle East for existing and future investment strategies
• Originate and convert new institutional relationships while deepening existing partnerships
• 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
• Manage complex, long-cycle institutional sales processes, including RFPs, due diligence, and mandate negotiations
• Deliver high-quality client presentations alongside portfolio managers and investment teams
  
• Partner closely with investment teams to position strategies effectively for institutional audiences
• Provide market intelligence and investor feedback to inform product development and fund structuring
• Collaborate with global distribution, marketing, and client service teams to ensure consistent messaging
• Represent the firm at regional industry events, conferences, and investor forums
• Strengthen the firm's institutional brand and long-term positioning across the Middle East
  

Candidate Profile

• Extensive experience in institutional business development or fundraising within asset management
• Strong network across Middle Eastern institutional investors, particularly within the GCC
• 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
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the credibility to operate as a regional figurehead
  

Why This Role

• Opportunity to lead and scale Middle East institutional distribution for a highly regarded specialist investment manager
• Very senior position, working in partnership with the CEO to grow the business
• New fund launches this year
• Long-term capital base and differentiated investment offering
• Ability to shape the firm's institutional footprint across one of the world's most important allocator regions