Head of Client Acquisition

Role SummaryThe Client Acquisition Lead will build and lead EIB's Client Acquisition Office, turning priority acquisition channels, referral sources and partnerships into a disciplined pipeline of qualified prospects and funded Private Banking relationships.PurposeThe Client Acquisition Lead is responsible for establishing, managing and continuously improving Emirates Investment Bank's Client Acquisition Office (CAO).The role holder will develop and execute the Bank's acquisition strategy across referral programmes, Al-Futtaim Group ecosystem opportunities, introducer relationships, strategic partnerships, digital campaigns and relationship-led prospecting initiatives.The role is accountable for the end-to-end acquisition funnel, from prospect origination and qualification through Relationship Manager allocation and conversion into funded client relationships.The role will serve as the primary owner of client acquisition performance and will work closely with Private Banking, Marketing, Product, Operations, Treasury, Compliance, Technology and external partners to support EIB's growth ambitions.Key Performance IndicatorsCommercial KPIsQualified leads generatedMeetings arranged with Relationship ManagersProspect-to-client conversion rateNew clients acquiredNet New Assets Under ManagementIntroducer productivityReferral programme effectivenessOperational KPIsLead response timesQualification completion ratesCRM data qualityPipeline conversion ratiosSLA adherenceStrategic KPIsAcquisition channel diversificationPartnership developmentAcquisition cost efficiencyGrowth of acquisition pipelineTasksAcquisition Strategy & Business DevelopmentDefine and execute the Bank's client acquisition strategy across priority affluent and HNW segments.Build a scalable acquisition model aligned with Private Banking growth targets.Identify new acquisition channels and business development opportunities.Monitor market trends, competitor activity and acquisition practices to refine strategy.Referral & Partnership ManagementDevelop referral programmes for clients, employees and business partners.Build, onboard and manage introducer and strategic partner relationships.Develop acquisition opportunities within the Al-Futtaim Group ecosystem.Negotiate commercial arrangements with approved introducers and referral sources.Establish governance and oversight standards for referral activity.Acquisition CampaignsOversee acquisition campaigns across all approved channels.Coordinate activities with Marketing and external agencies.Ensure consistency of client acquisition messaging.Approve campaign priorities and acquisition initiatives.Monitor campaign effectiveness and return on investment.Lead Management & ConversionOwn end-to-end acquisition funnel management from lead origination to conversion tracking.Define qualification criteria, lead scoring and routing methodologies.Establish RM allocation frameworks and monitor pipeline progression.Remove execution bottlenecks affecting conversion performance.Support Relationship Managers in maximizing conversion outcomes.Reporting & AnalyticsDefine acquisition KPIs and reporting standards.Review acquisition performance on a weekly and monthly basis.Analyze lead quality, channel effectiveness and acquisition costs.Monitor client acquisition economics and return on investment.Present acquisition performance reports to Executive Management.Governance & ControlEnsure acquisition activities comply with UAE regulatory requirements.Establish clear acquisition policies, procedures and service standards.Oversee CRM governance, data quality and reporting accuracy.Ensure client information is handled in accordance with information security requirements.Support Internal Audit, Compliance and Risk reviews as required.Strategic ProjectsSupport EIBx growth initiatives.Participate in product launches and acquisition-related projects.Contribute to enhancements of CRM, marketing automation and lead management capabilities.Support implementation of future acquisition operating model enhancements.Management ResponsibilitiesLead and develop the Client Acquisition Office.Manage the Client Acquisition Specialist.Establish team objectives and performance standards.Drive a culture of accountability, professionalism and client focus.Foster collaboration across Private Banking, Marketing, Operations and Technology.Ensure disciplined execution of acquisition activities.QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Economics or related discipline.MBA or professional banking qualification preferred.Professional certifications in Wealth Management, Digital Marketing, Business Development or Sales Leadership are advantageous.ExperienceMinimum 10 years of experience in Private Banking, Wealth Management, Retail Banking or Financial Services.Proven track record in client acquisition and business development.Experience managing acquisition channels, introducers and partnerships.Strong understanding of affluent and HNW client segments.Experience within UAE financial services highly preferred.Previous leadership experience preferred.