Building Resilient Governance, Risk and Compliance Leadership

Background A leading European mid-market private equity sponsor approached Greenfield at the earliest stage of a buy and build investment thesis focused on entering Luxembourgs fund and corporate services sector. At the time, the platform didnt exist - no acquisition had been made - only the vision did. The sponsor required a Group CEO to lead the future platform, but the appointment was contingent on the successful closing of its first acquisition. This created a classic chicken-and-egg scenario: the identification of the right leader was essential to de-risk the investment, but the platform didnt yet exist to attract them. Greenfield was engaged to shape the search strategy from concept to execution. Challenge This was a uniquely complex and high-stakes brief. There was no track record, no operational business to point to (due deal sensitivity), and thus no market positioning to leverage. The Group CEO would need to navigate post-acquisition sensitivities, navigate the evolution of organisational culture from the ground up, and drive organic growth and various future acquisitions. The investor required not only full access to the market, but a trusted partner who could co-create the profile, pressure-test assumptions, and deliver with absolute confidence. Solution Greenfield designed and delivered a Retained Search process tailored to this high-ambiguity mandate. Our approach included: Co-creating the leadership profile in close partnership with the sponsor, aligned to investorvision, future strategy, and risk appetite Modelling multiple candidate personas and market-testing them for fit and credibility Mapping the executive landscape across Luxembourg and the wider region Curating a longlist of 12+ strategically aligned leaders from a wider talent pool of over 100candidates Presenting two highly appointable finalists with vision, alignment, and executive presence Throughout, we served as strategic advisors. Our insight and expertise was crucial in guiding processes, aligning stakeholders, and maintaining momentum through a commercially sensitive timeline. Outcome The appointed Group CEO, chosen for their sector credibility, leadership track record, and alignment with the sponsors vision, has since assumed leadership of the platform and successfully imbedded its first acquisition. This appointment gave the board the assurance it needed to proceed, validating both the leadership decision and the search process behind it. Key Results Group CEO appointed in parallel to the acquisition to de-risk investmentMarket mapping and shortlist delivered under high time pressurePlatform launched with executive leadership aligned to investor visionOngoing partnership for CFO and Corporate Development leadership mandates.Building your leadership team from the ground up? Partner with Greenfield for insight-led executive search that turns vision into value.

Background A Swiss-headquartered high-tech infrastructure provider, backed by institutional investors and preparing for a European Stock Exchange listing, required a foundational legal appointment to support regulatory transformation and cross-border governance. As part of its pre-IPO strategy, the company had established a Luxembourg-based EU holding entity; its first footprint in the jurisdiction.Greenfield was engaged to undertake a Retained Search for the appointment of a Group General Counsel. The brief was clear: secure senior legal leadership capable of overseeing capital markets activity, managing cross-border structuring, and establishing governance protocols at pace. Challenge This was a complex and highly specific appointment. The ideal candidate needed fluency in both German language and commercial culture, alongside experience across capital markets, fundraising, MA, and real estate. Within Luxembourgs already narrow legal talent pool, this multifaceted profile significantly limited potential options.Compounding the challenge was time. The appointment had to be delivered within four weeks to meet regulatory milestones for the companys public listing. This meant precision and pace would be central to successful delivery. Solution Greenfields success lay in balancing market reach with narrative control. We worked closely with senior stakeholders to translate the technical brief into a compelling proposition: positioning the role as a rare opportunity to shape governance at the heart of a fast-scaling, well-capitalised European business.Our approach included:Immediate mobilisation, including an in-person meeting in Zurich the same week as initial outreachStrategic engagement of passive candidates through targeted messaging and direct outreachFraming the Luxembourg-based role as a high-impact legal leadership position, not an isolated or experimental market entryManaging the entire process with transparency, speed, and accountabilityOur consultative and high-touch approach enabled us to build trust and access top-tier legal talent who might not have otherwise engaged. Outcome The Group General Counsel was appointed within four weeks, aligned precisely with the clients IPO-readiness timeline. Their role is now central to the firms legal oversight, EU coordination, and governance infrastructure.This foundational appointment has since positioned Greenfield as the clients preferred partner for future legal, governance, and financial leadership hires in Luxembourg. Key Results General Counsel appointed in 4 weeks to support IPO timelineLegal governance established for new EU holding structureHigh-calibre candidate secured despite narrow market availabilityStrategic partnership extended to future legal and oversight roles Navigating regulatory transformation or IPO readiness? Partner with Greenfield to appoint legal specialists who deliver clarity, governance, and confidence.

Background A market-leading European provider of fund administration and corporate services, approached Greenfield to support a strategic key hire within their real estate funds business. As a trusted partner, Greenfield had already delivered multiple successful hires across the clients accounting, legal, and governance functions.When a key leadership vacancy emerged within the Real Estate Fund Accounting team, the client turned to Greenfield for an engaged search. Challenge The role demanded a senior finance leader with the technical depth to manage complex fund reporting and the strategic capacity to drive operational excellence. In addition to overseeing a high-value client portfolio, the individual needed to support global standardisation efforts and mentor internal teams.The challenge was compounded by Luxembourgs narrow talent pool for senior real estate accounting professionals particularly those who combine regulatory fluency, real estate fund expertise, and leadership capability. Solution Greenfield executed a tightly focused, high-touch search, drawing on our established expertise in the Luxembourg funds market. The search process included: Market mapping exercise to identify high-impact available and emerging talent Pre-agreed success criteria and a collaboratively defined longlist Targeted outreach and direct engagement with high-calibre individuals the visible market Structured, consistent communication throughout, enabling focused and decision making Our role extended beyond candidate sourcing. We offered real-time insight, clarity, and alignment throughout the search process ensuring the search remained efficient, transparent, and outcome driven. Outcome Within two weeks, Greenfield delivered a shortlist of qualified, culture aligned candidates. The successful hire now leads a major real estate fund client, has introduced more efficient reporting workflows, and contributes to cross-border operational initiatives. Their leadership has already strengthened team development, elevated client outcomes, and driven performance improvements across the business line Key Results Curated shortlist delivered in under 3 weeksImproved reporting accuracy and operational efficiencyStrengthened leadership capacity at local and group levelEnhanced internal mentorship and client relationship management Looking to make a key accounting? Partner with Greenfield for insight-led recruitment that delivers performance, not just appointments.

Background A fast-growing European e-payment services provider, operating across multiple EMEA jurisdictions, selected Luxembourg as the strategic base for its licensed regulatory hub. As part of its broader restructuring, the firm required high-impact leadership to support CSSF licensing and regulatory build-out.Greenfield was engaged on an Engaged Search to deliver a series of pivotal appointments beginning with a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), and extending to legal, first-line compliance, and commercial leadership roles. Challenge The firms growth ambitions, and tight regulatory timelines introduced a uniquely demanding hiring context. Greenfield was tasked with identifying compliance professionals who not only possessed deep familiarity with CSSF requirements but could also operate fluently within a fast-paced, pan-European fintech model.The Chief Compliance Officer role required a rare combination of regulatory leadership, AML and governance expertise, and commercial acumen. Talent availability in Luxembourgs limited e-payments sector was a major constraint, requiring precise targeting and careful positioning.Adding to the complexity, the CCO appointment needed to be finalised within five weeks to align with critical licensing milestones placing delivery speed and strategic accuracy at the heart of the search. Solution Greenfield operated as a fully embedded partner, aligning our process to key licensing milestones and internal planning. Our search included:Full market mapping to uncover high-potential talent with relevant licensing experienceReframing the narrative of the Luxembourg entity as a long-term, well-capitalised strategic hubPositioning the CCO and related roles as business enablers, not back-office functionsCollaboration with internal legal and regulatory teams to ensure candidates matched CSSF readiness requirementsOur high-touch, insight-led approach ensured the client could engage with top-tier candidates confidently and efficiently. Outcome Greenfield delivered a strategically aligned shortlist and secured the CCO appointment within the five-week contractual window. The hire was instrumental in achieving licensing progress and setting a strong tone for governance across the new entity.Following this success, Greenfield has remained the exclusive recruitment partner for the firms Luxembourg build-out. Key Results CCO appointed within 5 weeks to meet CSSF submission deadlinesMultiple key hires placed across compliance, legal, and commercial functionsRegulatory momentum accelerated by strategic leadership alignmentEmbedded governance culture established to support scalable growth Scaling in Luxembourgs regulated environment? Trust Greenfield to deliver compliance talent with pace precision.