Position Title: President & Chief Investment Officer (CIO)
Location: Canada / Hybrid / Remote
Industry: Merchant Banking, Advisory, Investment Management
Search Mandate: This is a confidential search led by Yorktown Search Partners on behalf of a private client.

Overview:

Yorktown Search Partners has been exclusively retained by a confidential client to identify a visionary President & Chief Investment Officer (CIO) to lead a growing merchant banking and strategic advisory platform. The firm operates at the intersection of high-touch corporate finance advisory, principal investing, and entrepreneurial capital formation-serving founders, family offices, and private investors across North America.

This is a founder-track opportunity for an accomplished financial leader to step into an executive role with material equity participation, operational autonomy, and the ability to shape the next great boutique investment platform.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Set and lead the strategic direction of the firm across all business lines, including M&A advisory, capital raising, and direct investing.
• Build and manage a multidisciplinary team capable of executing complex transactions across industries and markets.
• Oversee growth into new geographies, verticals, and service offerings in line with client and investor demand.

Investment Oversight:

• Source, evaluate, and execute proprietary investment and advisory opportunities.
• Lead due diligence, financial modeling, valuation, and deal structuring.
• Actively manage portfolio and transaction outcomes to maximize long-term value.

Capital Formation & Investor Relations:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with LPs, family offices, institutional partners, and co-investors.
• Lead capital syndication efforts for both deal-by-deal and platform-level investment vehicles.
• Serve as the senior representative in investor communications, roadshows, and strategic partnerships.

Client & Market Engagement:

• Represent the firm in key industry networks, conferences, and media.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to business owners, CEOs, and founders navigating strategic alternatives.
• Support transaction execution through relationship stewardship and strategic negotiation.

Operational & Governance Execution:

• Oversee all compliance, governance, and operational protocols to ensure the firm scales with integrity and institutional readiness.
• Collaborate closely with affiliated legal, tax, and accounting partners to deliver fully integrated financial solutions.

Ideal Candidate:

• 10-15+ years of experience in investment banking, private equity, or principal investing.
• Proven ability to lead complex deals and manage investor relationships.
• Deep understanding of capital markets, financial strategy, and M&A execution.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with high integrity, credibility, and strategic acumen.
• CFA, CPA, CBV, MBA or equivalent designations are considered assets.

Equity & Alignment:

To ensure long-term alignment with the firms entrepreneurial and partnership-driven model, candidates must be prepared to make a capital investment of $50,000 as part of their equity participation in the platform. This investment secures the candidates position as a true owner-operator, with access to carried interest, co-investment rights, and governance participation. Details will be shared with shortlisted candidates during the interview process.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and expression of interest to Yorktown Search Partners referencing the confidential President & CIO mandate. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.