Head of Middle East Distribution

Client of Hanson Search Ltd; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free compensation

Senior leadership role

Job summary

Hanson Search partners with a leading international asset manager to appoint a Head of Middle East Distribution based in the United Arab Emirates. The role carries full responsibility for the firm’s distribution strategy and client relationships across the Middle East, working closely with global distribution teams and product and investment colleagues.

We seek a senior leader with proven asset-management distribution experience in the GCC, particularly UAE and Saudi Arabia, capable of shaping

Qualifications

• Significant asset management distribution experience with senior UAE/GCC coverage.
• Track record of raising assets and winning mandates from regional institutions.
• Established GCC network, especially UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Broad knowledge of investment products across public and private markets including fund structures and distribution models.
• Strong understanding of the regional regulatory environment and client decision-making processes.
• Experience leading teams and managing a regional business with commercial accountability.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage senior decision-makers.
• Arabic language skills are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the regional distribution strategy for the Middle East.
• Lead relationships with sovereign wealth funds, government entities, pension funds, insurers—the senior relationships in the region.
• Expand wholesale and wealth channels with private banks, wealth managers, family offices and regional banks.
• Originate and close new business across pooled funds and segregated mandates, managing a disciplined pipeline.
• Collaborate with product and investment teams to tailor offerings including Sharia-compliant solutions.
• Oversee client service and investment reviews, reporting, and escalation of key relationships.
• Monitor regional market trends and regulatory developments to inform strategy and governance.
• Represent the firm at client meetings and industry events as the senior regional ambassador.

Skills

Regional leadership

Relationship management

Business development

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Arabic language (desirable)

Education

CFA qualification (advantageous)

Job description

Hanson Search is partnering with a leading international asset manager to appoint a Head of Middle East Distribution based in the United Arab Emirates. This senior leadership role carries full responsibility for the firm's distribution strategy and client relationships across the Middle East. It works closely with global distribution teams alongside product and investment colleagues.

Head of Middle East Distribution Responsibilities

• Regional Leadership Lead the firm s Middle East distribution business setting the regional strategy and growth targets in line with the firm s global ambitions. There is a particular focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia alongside the wider GCC.
• Institutional Clients Build and own senior relationships with sovereign wealth funds, government-related entities, pension funds, insurers, central banks and corporate investors. Win and grow mandates across the firm s strategies.
• Wholesale and Wealth Channels Expand partnerships with private banks, wealth managers, family offices, regional banks and platforms. Drive fund inflows and establish the firm on key distribution shelves and recommended lists.
• Business Development Originate and close new business across pooled funds and segregated mandates, managing a disciplined pipeline from initial engagement through to funding.
• Product and Solutions Work with product and investment teams, supported by legal to tailor the offering to regional demand. This includes Sharia-compliant solutions and local fund structures with private markets access products also part of the offering.
• Client Service Ensure an exceptional client experience coordinating portfolio manager engagement and investment reviews including reporting. Serve as the senior escalation point for key relationships.
• Market Intelligence Maintain a detailed understanding of regional allocation trends, client needs, competitor activity and regulatory developments. Share insight with global leadership to shape product and distribution strategy.
• Brand and Representation Act as the senior ambassador for the firm representing it at client meetings and industry events while raising its profile across the Middle East.
• Governance and Compliance Ensure all regional distribution activity complies with applicable regulatory requirements including DFSA, FSRA, SCA and Saudi CMA frameworks and with the firm s internal policies.
• Team Leadership Build and lead a high-performing regional sales and client service team setting clear objectives and creating a strong collaborative culture across global offices.

Asset Management Distribution Experience and Skills

• Significant asset management distribution or client coverage experience including senior responsibility for the Middle East.
• A proven track record of raising assets and winning mandates from leading regional institutions and wealth channels.
• You will bring an established network across the GCC, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Broad knowledge of investment products across public and private markets including fund structures and distribution models.
• A strong understanding of the regional regulatory environment and client decision-making processes with an appreciation of local business culture.
• Experience leading teams and managing a regional business with clear commercial accountability.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the negotiating ability and gravitas to engage chief investment officers and senior decision-makers.
• A CFA qualification is advantageous and Arabic language skills are highly desirable.
• Willingness to be based full-time in the UAE and to travel extensively across the region and internationally.

What s on Offer in the UAE This Head of Middle East Distribution role offers a highly competitive tax-free compensation package. It also brings the opportunity to lead and grow the Middle East business of a respected international asset manager.