Job Description The Head of Corporate Development will lead Fastmarkets’ inorganic growth strategy through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and competitive intelligence. This individual will identify, assess, and execute strategic M&A opportunities that align with the company’s goals for growth, scalability, and profitability. The role requires managing the entire M&A process, including deal sourcing, due diligence, transaction execution, and post-merger integration. The Head of Corporate Development will also play a key role in driving competitive intelligence activities to ensure Fastmarkets remains informed about industry trends and competitors’ strategic moves. This position will report to the Operations Director and manage one direct report (Corporate Development Analyst), while leveraging internal and external resources to supplement the team as needed for larger, more complex transactions. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES M&A Strategy & Execution Lead the identification and evaluation of inorganic growth opportunities, aligned with Fastmarkets’ strategic goals and product vision. Continue to Develop and maintain a structured M&A funnel, continuously scanning the market for emerging trends, potential acquisition targets, and shifts in competitor strategy. Conduct due diligence, including financial, operational, and market assessments, to evaluate potential acquisitions and/or partnerships. Manage the full lifecycle of M&A transactions from deal sourcing through to completion, including coordination with external advisors for larger or complex transactions. Comprehensively drive small- to mid-size M&A deals and support the integration process post-transaction, partnering with the PMO for seamless integration. Fully accountable for tracking financial performance of all M&A activities ensuring that acquisitions and partnerships meet the defined business case objectives. Regularly update senior management on progress and outcomes related to M&A initiatives. Track and measure post-acquisition success, develop integration KPIs with functional teams, assess financial and operational impacts, and implement lessons learned to improve future M&A activities. Risk Management Responsible for identifying and mitigating risk associated with M&A transaction. Including working across legal, financial, and operational risk teams to ensure all deals are sound from a compliance and risk standpoint. Ensuring that M&A activities align with the Company’s technology plans and infrastructure. Communications and Change Management Develop clear strategies for internal and external stakeholders (including shareholders) to manage expectations during M&A activities; working with HR to have a plan in place to manage the organisational change that comes with M& transactions, such as cultural integration and change leadership to ensure smoot transition post-acquisition. Competitive Intelligence Oversee the development of a robust competitive intelligence function to monitor industry trends, competitor actions, and emerging market opportunities. Provide insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership based on competitive analysis, ensuring that Fastmarkets is well-positioned to respond to market shifts. Monitor competitor M&A, fundraising, and strategic investments to understand their growth strategies and potential threats. Sustainability and ESG In collaboration with our ESG functions, ensure consideration of the sustainability impact of potential acquisitions and how they align with Fastmarkets’ ESG goals. Project management accountability to ensure ESG plans are aligned, in place and agreed. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with the Finance, Product, and Operations teams to ensure alignment on revenue forecasting, financial modelling, and strategic priorities. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including HR, Finance, and the PMO, to assess integration challenges and opportunities for value creation post-acquisition. Serve as a liaison between the executive team and external advisors, ensuring clear communication and strategic alignment on transaction-related matters.