Head of M&A

A leading mid-market advisory boutique is seeking a high‑caliber Head of M&A to lead and further develop its Mergers & Acquisitions practice.

The successful candidate will be a senior executive with strong roots in the Italian and international financial landscape, responsible for driving the firm’s advisory business and reinforcing its positioning in the mid‑market segment. Reporting directly to the Managing Partners, the candidate will lead and expand a professional team currently undergoing significant growth.

The role requires a combination of entrepreneurial mindset, strong origination capabilities, hands‑on deal execution, and the ability to build long‑term client relationships within a dynamic and less structured environment compared to large institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Growth : Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of professionals. Drive the expansion of the practice by attracting and retaining top‑tier talent, while fostering a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.
• Strategic Direction : Define and execute the growth strategy of the M&A practice, strengthening the boutique’s positioning in the Italian and European mid‑market, with a focus on high‑quality advisory mandates.
• Origination & Senior Advisory : Act as a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, shareholders, family‑owned businesses, and private equity funds. Originate and lead buy‑side, sell‑side, and merger transactions across sectors.
• Client Relationship Management : Build and maintain long‑term relationships with key decision‑makers, leveraging a strong personal network to generate recurring deal flow.
• Execution Excellence : Oversee the full deal lifecycle, ensuring best‑in‑class standards in financial analysis, valuation, due diligence, and negotiation. Maintain a hands‑on approach, especially in complex or high‑profile transactions.
• Cross‑Border Development : Support and expand international M&A activity through partnerships and global networks, contributing to cross‑border deal origination and execution.
• Entrepreneurial Contribution : Actively contribute to the overall development of the firm, including strategic initiatives, sector coverage expansion, and brand positioning in the market.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: 15–20+ years of solid experience in M&A and Corporate Finance, gained in leading investment banks, advisory boutiques, or similar environments.
• Leadership Track Record: Proven ability to lead and grow teams, ideally within entrepreneurial or fast‑growing organizations.
• Network: Strong and well‑established relationships with Italian mid‑cap companies, entrepreneurs, and private equity investors.
• Origination Skills: Demonstrated ability to originate deals and convert relationships into mandates.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of M&A processes, valuation methodologies, and deal structuring. Familiarity with the Italian regulatory framework is a plus.
• Soft Skills: Entrepreneurial mindset, strong leadership and interpersonal skills, commercial drive, and a pragmatic, hands‑on approach.
• Language: Fluency in Italian and English is required.
• Education: Top‑tier degree in Economics, Finance, or MBA preferred.