Managing Director - Leasing & Vendor Finance

Location: Berlin, Germany We are acting on behalf of a well-established European financial services group with a substantial international footprint. Our brief is to appoint a Managing Director to lead the group's North American subsidiary, based on-site in Chicago. The role is particularly well suited to an experienced leader relocating from Germany, with relocation support provided to ease the move. This is the most senior post in the region and carries full responsibility for commercial operations across the United States and Canada. The successful candidate will report directly to international senior management at the European headquarters, ensuring a close working link back to the parent organisation. Key Responsibilities Overseeing all core functions, including sales, credit, operations, and portfolio management. Providing strategic and operational leadership of the North American business unit. Establishing and maintaining relationships with business partners, vendors, and the board. Driving business development and long-term growth in line with the parent company's global strategy. Reporting regularly to the board on business performance and key initiatives. Leading and developing a local management team. The incoming leader will take over a stable, well-run operation and will be expected to sustain that performance while identifying opportunities for continued growth. Other Information Location: Chicago, IL (On-site) Relocation Assistance: Available Engagement: Fixed-term, 3 to 4 years Travel: 40 to 50%, domestic and international Requirements Essential A thorough, end-to-end understanding of the leasing business, covering origination, credit, operations, and portfolio management. A university degree. Strong credit analysis and risk assessment capabilities. Between 5 and 10 years in a senior leadership position within leasing, commercial lending, or financial services. Experience across a wide range of ticket sizes and most asset classes. P&L management experience, with responsibility for a corporate unit generating substantial revenue. A solid grasp of financial mathematics alongside an appreciation of legal and fiscal considerations. A proven ability to manage and develop teams while driving performance. English fluency at native or business-proficient level. Strong networking abilities, both within an organisation and externally with partners and clients. An entrepreneurial mindset combined with operational discipline. Proficiency with enterprise systems such as ERP platforms, CRM tools, and the MS Office suite. A high degree of flexibility, resilience, and a strong work ethic Preferred Prior experience operating across both European (especially German) and North American markets. An MBA or equivalent advanced degree. A previous international assignment or cross-border management experience. Experience in vendor financing and dealer channel business models. Proficiency in German or another European language. A background with a global leasing company or the leasing division of a major international bank. Benefits A variable incentive structure (roughly 30% of total compensation). A base salary of approximately $250,000 to $280,000 (more may be considered for an exceptional candidate). A comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), medical, dental, vision, life insurance, prescription drug coverage, and disability insurance. 25 days of paid leave. A company car (partial maintenance). Why This Role This is a rare opportunity to serve as the senior-most leader of a well-established international subsidiary in North America. For a candidate moving across from Germany, it offers a natural bridge between European and North American business cultures, with the backing and resources of a large European financial services group throughout. The incoming executive will inherit a sound operational foundation and the mandate to shape the next chapter of the business. The position brings meaningful autonomy, direct engagement with global leadership, and the chance to leave a lasting mark on a growing platform. Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes. To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit Executive Search Germany:Headhunter and Recruitment Services in Germany Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. 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