Alexander Hughes Names Co-Head of Global Financial Services Practice

November 11, 2026 – Alexander Hughes has appointed Jean-François Monteil as co-head of its global financial services practice, alongside Michael Swinsburg. He will focus on the EMEA region. Together, they will lead the development of the practice, combining their experience and international networks to support clients across banking, asset and wealth management, insurance, private equity and fintech.

“We are delighted to welcome Jean-François back to Alexander Hughes,” said Mr. Simon, managing partner, Alexander Hughes France. “As co-heads of our global financial services practice, Jean-François and Michael will bring together their expertise to strengthen our international collaboration and support clients with their leadership needs across financial markets.”

With more than two decades of executive search experience, Mr. Monteil has developed a strong reputation as a trusted advisor to financial services organizations across Europe and beyond. He has completed over 700 search assignments in 12 countries, covering the full spectrum of the industry, including private equity, asset & wealth management, corporate & investment banking, global markets, insurance, fintech, investor services, public finance, and international financial institutions. His track record includes the successful delivery of numerous board and C-suite searches, appointing CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CROs, CIOs, CHROs, CMOs, CLOs, country heads, heads of sales, and other senior leaders driving transformation and growth.

Mr. Monteil started his executive search career in London with Armstrong International, a renowned financial services search boutique. There, he led numerous C-suite and senior executive assignments while advising clients across EMEA on leadership talent within asset & wealth management, corporate & investment banking, global banking and other key financial services segments. Throughout his career, Mr. Monteil has led both practice and country operations for leading executive search firms, including TRANSEARCH as managing partner, Alexander Hughes as president, and AT Kearney Executive Search as managing director for France and vice president.

Before joining Alexander Hughes, Mr. Monteil founded Septembre Partners, an advisory search boutique operating globally. From 2015 to 2024, Mr. Monteil played a key role in the development of the MORGAN PHILIPS Group and led MORGAN PHILIPS Banking, City & FinTech across Paris, Geneva and London. He began his career in financial services at CIC and Indosuez Asset Management, now Amundi. Mr. Monteil speaks French, English and Spanish.

Founded in 1957, Alexander Hughes is an international executive search firm advising senior management on key talent acquisition: executive and non-executive directors, senior managers and recognized experts. With 60 offices, Alexander Hughes has a fully-owned worldwide coverage offering local expertise combined with global capabilities. The team includes more than 130 consultants operating in 10 practices, ranging from financial services and technology to life sciences, industrial manufacturing, and consumer markets.

Past Growth

Earlier this year, Alexander Hughes named Norbert Alix-Buguet as head of its global defense practice. Jean-Brice Le Gayic was also named co‑head of the practice. “The unique added value of this duo lies in their ability to gain an in‑depth understanding of the strategic and operational challenges of such a demanding sector as defense, and to support their clients in identifying and selecting the talent they need today and in the future,” Alexander Hughes said. “Political tensions, rising national budgets, rapid technological innovation and increasing competition among major powers have positioned the defense sector as one of the most dynamic and fast‑evolving industries worldwide,” the firm continued. “This environment requires leaders who can operate at the crossroads of strategy, technology and national security, ensuring direction, resilience and long‑term capability development.”

Mr. Alix-Buguet is managing partner at Managers by Alexander Hughes Paris and a seasoned expert with more than 35 years in recruiting C-Level positions. Between 2010 and 2012, he was CEO and commercial director at APRIL ENTREPRISE. Mr. Alix-Buguet began his executive search career in 2016 after more than two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and management. He leverages his experience in the insurance, banking and consulting sectors.

Mr. Le Gayic has been a client partner at Managers by Alexander Hughes since 2010. He first worked as a research associate for the president on top executive assignments, acquiring a solid background in executive search methodologies. Mr. Le Gayic successfully recruited several executive board members, senior managers, technical experts and also support functions, in various industrial sectors such as Fine chemicals, automotive, agro-industry and in the construction field. After few years’ experience at a top level, he decided to evolve as an executive search consultant for Managers by Alexander Hughes, assisting companies on strategic recruitment matters, such as attracting experienced managers, high-end specialists and high-flyers.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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