Richard Buckingham

Based in London, Richard leads Leathwaite’s Global CIO and COO Practice. With assets in North America, Europe and Asia, the Practice serves key clients’ CIO and operations human capital needs.

Richard was the first promoted Partner at Leathwaite, having initially joined the firm in January 2004. He led a wide spectrum of senior client engagements across Europe, Asia and the U.S. in the Technology function, specializing in financial services. In 2008 Richard moved to New York to lead the U.S. business. Over five years Richard led the growth of the business whilst also leading a portfolio of search and advisory work across banking, asset/investment management, payments, hedge fund, insurance, Fintech, private equity and professional services.

Having returned to the UK in 2013 Richard led the growth of Leathwaite’s global Retail Financial Services and Digital business. Richard has built a practice focused on CEO, board, general management and CIO positions, as well as rapidly evolving roles across analytics, AI, cloud, agile transformation and cyber security.

Richard’s experience spans CEO, COO, product, digital and board positions but his specialization remains CIO and the broader technology function, where he advises on the current and next generation of technology, diversity and innovation leadership. He has been retained to lead some of the largest and most impactful CIO and Tech & Ops role in the financial services industry.

Prior to joining Leathwaite Richard worked at a global search and selection firm progressing to consultant within their Financial Services Technology practice. He graduated from Newcastle University in 1999 with a 2:1 honours degree in English Literature and History.