Director of Private Client Strategy

Busey Bank•Urbana, IL

About The Position

The Director of Private Client Strategy is responsible for leading the strategic direction, growth, and performance of the Private Client division across the enterprise. This role is pivotal in delivering a differentiated, client-centric experience for high-net-worth individuals and families, while driving deposit growth, deepening wealth relationships, and ensuring alignment with the bank’s broader wealth management strategy. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of private banking services, including deposit strategies, investment management, trust and estate planning, and holistic financial advisory. The director will collaborate closely with executive leadership, market leaders, and product partners to ensure the delivery of integrated, high-touch solutions that meet the complex needs of affluent clients. This individual will also oversee relationship management practices, client acquisition strategies, and portfolio performance tracking with a strong focus on talent development, CRM utilization, and the disciplined execution of sales and service standards across the Private Banking teams.

Requirements

Deep expertise in private banking, wealth management, and lending strategies tailored to high-net-worth individuals and families.
Strong understanding of investment advisory, financial planning, and fiduciary services.
Executive presence with the ability to influence and lead within a matrixed organization.
Proven track record of leading high-performing relationship management or advisory teams in a client-centric, consultative environment.
Demonstrated success in driving client acquisition, retention, and share-of-wallet growth among affluent clients.
Ability to collaborate across business lines (Wealth, Commercial, Mortgage, Trust, and Consumer Banking) to deliver integrated financial solutions and ensure a seamless client experience.
Experience implementing CRM best practices, sales enablement tools, and portfolio performance tracking.
Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field required.
12–15+ years of experience in private banking, wealth management, or financial advisory services.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA, JD, or CFP) preferred.
Relevant certifications such as Wealth Management Specialist or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) preferred.

Responsibilities

Define and lead the strategic direction for Private Banking across the bank’s footprint, ensuring alignment with enterprise wealth and relationship banking goals.
Drive growth in bank deposits and wealth assets under management through tailored, high-touch financial solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families.
Champion a holistic, goals-based advisory approach that integrates banking, investment, and financial advisory services.
Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and client-centricity across the Private Client organization.
Partner with leaders across Wealth Management, Commercial Banking, Mortgage, Trust, and Consumer Banking to deliver integrated solutions and deepen client relationships across all client segments.
Align Private Client strategy with enterprise initiatives in marketing, digital, operations, and risk management.
Influence product development and service delivery to meet the evolving needs of affluent clients.
Oversee Private Client sales performance, client acquisition strategies, and relationship management practices.
Ensure disciplined use of CRM, pipeline management, and client segmentation to drive growth and retention.
Leverage analytics to inform pricing, profitability, and market expansion strategies.
Maintain deep awareness of competitive trends, client expectations, and regulatory developments in the private banking space.
Ensure compliance with all applicable banking laws, regulations, and internal policies, particularly those impacting high-net-worth client relationships.
Partner with Legal, Compliance, and Risk teams to proactively manage reputational and regulatory risk.
Oversee documentation and refinement of policies and procedures in collaboration with compliance, risk, and operations partners.
Lead the development of the future-state product strategy for Private Client, ensuring offerings remain competitive, scalable, and aligned with client needs.
Collaborate with product, technology, and digital teams to enhance the client experience through innovation and personalization.
Evaluate and prioritize new product opportunities, leveraging market insights and client feedback.