Managing Director, Financial Communications, International Communications Agency, Paris

Hanson Search is partnering with an international communications agency to appoint a Managing Director to lead its financial communications practice in Paris. The agency is part of a global network with offices across the world’s major financial centres. It advises listed companies, financial institutions, investors and their advisers at their most critical moments.

About the Financial Communications Managing Director Role

The Paris practice advises international clients and companies across the CAC 40 and SBF 120, alongside ongoing investor and media relations. Transaction and special situations work spans M&A, IPOs, shareholder activism, restructuring and crisis situations. As demand grows for senior counsel in these areas, the agency is looking for a leader to take the practice to its next stage of growth.

In this Financial Communications Managing Director role, you will own the strategy and reputation of the Paris business. You will advise boards and executive teams on their most sensitive matters. Leading the team and driving new business across the French market are equally central.

You will report to the network’s international leadership and work closely with financial communications leaders in other key markets. This ensures the Paris practice plays a full part in cross-border mandates.

Why This Managing Director Role Stands Out

You will not start from a blank page, as the practice already has an established client base and a strong reputation in the French market. There is real scope to build, from cross-border mandates to a stronger presence with financial investors and their advisers. New sector offers will open further room for growth.

The role combines the autonomy to lead a business with the reach and resources of an international network.

Managing Director Responsibilities

• Set and deliver the strategy for the Paris financial communications practice.
• Take full ownership of the P&L, with a focus on revenue, margin, client portfolio growth and new business.
• Act as a trusted adviser to CEOs, CFOs, boards and heads of communications and investor relations.
• Lead communications on M&A, IPOs, capital markets transactions, shareholder activism, restructuring and crisis situations.
• Originate new mandates with corporates, private equity houses, financial investors and their advisers.
• Build relationships with investment banks, law firms, private equity houses and the wider adviser community.
• Lead and retain a high-performing team, attracting senior talent as the practice grows.
• Work with colleagues across the global network on cross-border pitches and mandates.

Financial Communications Leadership Experience and Skills

• Bring senior financial communications experience from a leading agency, a listed company, a financial institution or a related advisory role.
• Show a record of advising on M&A, IPOs, capital markets transactions and special situations in France.
• Draw on a strong network across French financial and business media as well as among bankers, lawyers, private equity professionals and investors.
• Demonstrate business development success and the ability to originate significant mandates.
• Bring experience of running a team or business with P&L responsibility.
• Advise confidently at board level and keep sound judgement under pressure.
• Bring a sound understanding of the French regulatory environment for listed companies.
• Work fluently in French and English.

What’s on Offer in Paris

This is a chance to lead a respected financial communications practice in Paris and shape its growth with the backing of a global network. The remuneration package is competitive, with a performance-related bonus and benefits.