VP, Corporate Development

About KIMARU Talent: KIMARU Talent is a boutique executive search firm working with startups and growth-stage companies in AI, gaming, technology, and advertising. We take on fewer clients so we can go deeper on each search — real understanding of the role, the team, and what "yes" looks like for both sides. We're not generalists who'll take any search. We focus on leadership and critical individual-contributor hires — the roles where getting it right changes the trajectory of the startup. That depth is why most long-term clients give us access to their ATS, Slack, and internal comms. We're not a vendor you check in with weekly. We operate like an internal recruiter with an external network. About the Company: Our client is a prominent and award-winning publisher in the free-to-play gaming industry, dedicated to empowering independent developers to achieve growth and success. By focusing on collaboration, they enhance live games with their expertise in marketing, product development, innovative technology, and advanced user acquisition strategies. By combining data-driven insights, cutting-edge tools, and creative talent, our client partners with top-tier intellectual properties to scale games and create thriving communities of passionate, forward-thinking professionals. Role Overview: The Vice President of Corporate Development will play a central role in shaping and executing our client’s mergers and acquisitions strategy. Reporting directly to the CEO, this leader will manage complex transactions, including cross-border deals and capital raises, ensuring alignment with the organization’s vision for delivering long-term shareholder value. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in investment banking and significant experience in corporate development or buy-side operations, particularly within the gaming and technology industries. If you're driven by the challenge of creating transformational growth through strategic acquisitions, this role is for you! Key Responsibilities: • Oversee all aspects of the M&A process, from identifying and prioritizing targets to conducting due diligence, developing valuations, negotiating terms, and planning integrations. • Conduct in-depth financial analysis and build valuation models to assess potential acquisition targets and strategic partnerships. • Foster relationships with stakeholders, including executive teams, board members, investors, and external partners, to facilitate collaboration and deal success. • Partner with operational teams to design and implement integration plans, ensuring smooth transitions and the achievement of synergies. • Identify potential risks in transactions and craft strategies to mitigate them while protecting the company’s interests. • Establish and grow a Corporate Development team capable of managing multiple concurrent transactions, promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation. Qualifications: • At least 10 years of experience in M&A-focused investment banking, complemented by operational experience in corporate development or private equity. • A proven track record of successfully managing complex transactions from start to finish, with particular expertise in cross-border deals. • Strong leadership skills with a history of building and mentoring high-performing teams. • Outstanding negotiation abilities combined with deep financial expertise, including advanced skills in financial modeling, valuation methods, and deal structuring. • Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field is required; an advanced degree such as an MBA is preferred.