Global Head of Asset Servicing (Executive Director)

Job Title: Global Head of Asset Servicing Corporate Title: Executive DirectorDepartment: OperationsLocation: LondonCompany overviewNomura is a global financial services group with an integrated network spanning approximately 30 countries and regions. By connecting markets East & West, Nomura services the needs of individuals, institutions, corporates and governments through its three business divisions: Wealth Management, Investment Management, and Wholesale (Global Markets and Investment Banking). Founded in 1925, the firm is built on a tradition of disciplined entrepreneurship, serving clients with creative solutions and considered thought leadership. For further information about Nomura, visit .Role Overview:We are seeking a highly accomplished Executive Director, Head of Asset Servicing to assume senior ownership of our asset servicing function Globally based in London This is a high-profile leadership position carrying significant organisational weight, with accountability for the strategic direction, operational performance, and people leadership of both onshore and offshore teams.Role Description:Strategic LeadershipDefine and own the long-term vision and strategy for the asset servicing function, ensuring alignment with the firm's overarching business objectivesAct as a member of the senior Operations leadership team in London, contributing to global and regional strategic initiatives and representing the asset servicing function at the executive levelDrive the evolution of the operating model, identifying opportunities to enhance scalability, resilience, and competitive differentiationChampion a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement across all locationsGlobal Team LeadershipProvide executive-level leadership to a globally distributed workforce spanning onshore and offshore locationsSet the tone for team culture, performance standards, and professional development across the function globallyAttract, develop, and retain senior talent, building a strong leadership pipeline within the asset servicing organisationNavigate the complexities of managing diverse, cross-cultural teams, ensuring consistency of standards while respecting local nuancesOperational AccountabilityHold ultimate accountability for the end-to-end delivery of asset servicing operations, including corporate actions, income processing, proxy voting, tax, reconciliations, and custody managementEnsure all teams — onshore and offshore — operate within agreed SLAs, regulatory requirements, and internal control frameworksOversee the design and governance of KPIs and operational metrics, driving a data-led approach to performance managementServe as the senior escalation point for critical operational incidents, providing decisive leadership and ensuring timely resolutionTransformation & InnovationSponsor and lead major transformation programmes, including automation, AI adoption, process re-engineering, and offshoring/nearshoring strategiesPartner with Technology and Change Management teams to evaluate and implement next-generation platforms and toolsDrive cost optimisation initiatives without compromising service quality or risk postureRepresent the function in firmwide change governance forums and investment committeesRisk, Controls & GovernanceMaintain executive accountability for the control environment across all asset servicing activities globallyEnsure robust frameworks are in place for operational risk identification, escalation, and remediationEngage proactively with Compliance, Legal, and Risk functions to ensure adherence to evolving regulatory obligations across all jurisdictionsRepresent the function in senior risk and governance committees, including Board-level reporting where requiredStakeholder & Client EngagementBuild and maintain trusted relationships with the most senior internal and external stakeholders including key business stakeholders and key clients,Act as the face of the Asset Servicing function in key client conversations, industry forums, and regulatory engagementsCollaborate closely with Front Office, Client Services, and Product teams to ensure the function supports revenue generation and client retention objectivesSkills, experience, qualifications and knowledge required:Required Qualifications & ExperienceExtensive experience in asset servicing, custody operations, or a closely related financial services disciplineDemonstrated experience operating at or near Executive Director level, with accountability for global, multi-site teamsProven track record of leading onshore and offshore operations simultaneously, with deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in distributed operating modelsComprehensive technical expertise across the full asset servicing lifecycle — corporate actions, income, tax, reconciliations, proxy voting, and custodyExtensive experience sponsoring and delivering large-scale transformation programmes within a complex, matrixed organisationProven ability to manage senior stakeholder relationships and influence at the executive levelStrong commercial acumen, including P&L awareness and budget management at a functional levelPreferred QualificationsPrior experience within a global investment bank, tier-one custodian, or large-scale asset managerHands-on exposure to Asia operational environments, ideally having held leadership roles in more than 1 location.Familiarity with industry platforms such as Broadridge, S&P.Skills & CompetenciesExecutive Presence: Ability to command authority and credibility at the most senior levels of the organisation and with external stakeholdersStrategic Vision: Translates complex business challenges into clear, actionable strategies with measurable outcomesGlobal People Leadership: Inspires and develops high-performing, culturally diverse teams across multiple geographiesInfluence & Communication: Exceptional communicator; able to articulate complex operational matters clearly to both technical and non-technical audiencesRisk Judgement: Sound, experienced judgement in navigating operational, regulatory, and reputational riskTransformation Leadership: Proven ability to lead large-scale change in ambiguous, fast-moving environmentsCommercial Acumen: Strong understanding of the commercial drivers of the business and the role asset servicing plays in delivering client and firm valueResilience & Decisiveness: Strong understanding of the commercial drivers of the business and the role asset servicing plays in delivering client and firm valueNomura competenciesExplore Insights & VisionIdentify the underlying causes of problems faced by you or your team and define a clear vision and direction for the future.Making Strategic DecisionsEvaluate all the options for resolving the problems and effectively prioritize actions or recommendations.Inspire Entrepreneurship in PeopleInspire team members through effective communication of ideas and motivate them to actively enhance productivity.Elevate Organizational CapabilityEngage proactively in professional development and enhance team productivity through the promotion of knowledge sharing. Inclusion Respect DEI, foster a culture of psychological safety in the workplace and cultivate a "Risk Culture" (Challenge, Escalate and Respect).Right to WorkThe UK Government have taken steps to reduce net migration to the UK by limiting the number of overseas workers coming to the UK for employment. Please note that whilst we are able to consider applications from overseas workers from outside the UK (who require a Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa) we can only employ them if we can provide evidence that this is a genuine vacancy for a qualified role.Diversity & Inclusion Nomura is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to ensuring we best reflect the diversity of the communities we serve creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. We welcome all applications and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity and gender expression, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments due to a disability or long-term health condition, please do not hesitate to contact us.Nomura is an Equal Opportunity Employer