Drew Messmer
Partner, executive search
Drew has spent his entire career in search and recruitment and has headhunted senior and executive level talent for hundreds of fintech and financial services businesses throughout his career.
Services
About
At LF Partners, Drew has focused on VP to C-level engagements across credit risk and analytics, operations, finance, marketing and human resources.
Additionally, Drew oversees a team that supports our client partners with manager to director-level searches and strategic team buildouts. A researcher at heart, Drew strives to learn his clients’ businesses and industries not only through the eyes of a partner, but as an extension of their team, and both clients and candidates appreciate his speed, directness and efficiency.
Prior to joining LF Partners, Drew was a startup founder of an executive search firm with a financial services focus, and also spent two years at Korn Ferry in both talent advisory and search. Drew is a graduate of Virginia Tech, and outside of work you’ll find him watching Premier League Soccer, the Masters or on a search for the best restaurant and food in whatever city that he is in.
Case Studies
My Expertise
Our tailored solutions empower businesses to thrive in the fintech landscape. Experience growth and innovation with our expert guidance.
Consumer and small-business lending
Drew has led searches for numerous consumer and small business lenders, including C-Suite and other senior hires at Remitly, Empower, X1 Card, Koalafi, LendingPoint, Fundbox, Bluevine and Tribal.
Chief risk and credit officers
Successfully led chief risk officer and chief credit officer searches at Aplazo, Billd, Fundbox, Remitly, Keyway, Merrick Bank and Strike Acceptance.
Data science and analytics
Led searches at Renew Financial, Merrick Bank, Mercury Financial, OneMain, Empower and EasyKnock.
Team buildouts
Led multiple engagements for full team buildouts with early- and mid-stage fintechs, including Fair Square Financial, Ally, X1 Card, Billd and Merrick Bank.
Companies I’ve worked with
Ally
Ally is a leading digital financial services company that offers a variety of financial products for their clients.
Merrick Bank
Merrick Bank is a top 20 credit card issuer that specializes in credit programs that help people build or rebuild their credit.
Current
Current is a digital banking fintech company focused on helping Americans create a better financial future
Billd
Billd offers project-based financing to contractors in the construction industry by offering short term financing solutions.
Keyway
Keyway is a proptech that offers a sell-leaseback solution designed to help small and medium businesses.
Strike Acceptance
Strike Acceptance is a subprime automotive lending service that helps customers establish and rebuild their credit
Bluevine
Bluevine is a fintech that empowers small businesses with innovative banking products designed for them.
OneMain
OneMain is a financial services company that offers nonprime customers access to credit and insurance
Renew Financial
Renew Financial provides financing services intended to assist in clean energy home improvement.
Aplazo
Aplazo is a Mexico-based BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) company that offers flexible payment solutions and commerce enablement tools to help merchants sell more and grow their brands.
Empower
Empower is a financial solutions fintech that helps people access credit affordably, improve their credit health, and rewrite their financial story.
Drizly
Drizly is an alcohol e-commerce platform that facilitates the delivery of alcohol through local retailers
X1 Card
X1 is a fintech that provides users with a smart credit card, using the power of technology to offer smart credit limits and automated features.
Fundbox
Fundbox is a credit platform that helps small business owners optimize their cash flow
Koalafi
Koalafi offers flexible payment plans and credit-building opportunities for the 121M non-prime U.S. consumers who don't qualify for traditional financing options.
Remitly
International payments company that leverages digital channels to send money internationally.
EasyKnock
EasyKnock offers a sell and leaseback program that allows homeowners access to equity in their homes
Tribal credit
Tribal Credit provides corporate credit cards to startups and growing SMEs looking for a better way to pay business expenses and better their financial management.
Barclays
Barclays is a global financial services company providing a wide range of banking and financial products, including retail banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking and wealth management.
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