Meet Our Principals: Angelique Vasquez

What do you do at Altima?

As a Principal at Altima, I manage client relationships and lead the strategic direction of the entire search process. My role involves understanding our clients' finance leadership needs, setting the search strategy, and qualifying candidates. I work closely with Senior Associates and researchers to ensure the delivery of a search is consistent. As Principals, we also collaborate with the internal hiring managers to provide a strong candidate experience. Our key focus is ensuring we consistently match the right finance leaders with organisations while providing strategic insights on industry trends and market insights.

How did you find your way into executive search?

I got into Executive Search as I had an interest in expanding my knowledge of the tech ecosystem. Since joining the industry ten years ago, the European market has evolved and developed significantly. I wanted a role where I could work closely with founders, investors, and key advisors. Executive Search gave me this and allowed me to play a key role in supporting tech businesses with some of their most critical hires. 

I originally joined an Executive Search firm as an intern and found the pace thrilling. Before, Altima I was an Executive Recruiter at Meta supporting hires in the tech function. During my time there I got the opportunity to work in an incredibly innovative environment and talented team. 

Being strategic and intellectually curious is key to success in Executive Search. I am strategic in nature and during my time in the industry I’ve developed these skills by having the opportunity to work in dynamic environments, learn about different emerging industries, and collaborate with some of the best talent and founders in the European industry.

What advice would you give to founders looking for a CFO in today’s market?

In the last decade, the European technology industry has significantly matured therefore many finance leaders in the ecosystem have gone through impressive growth journeys with successful companies. This means that the European CFO market has evolved too. The CFO role is now widely recognised as a strategic pillar within a C-Suite. The concept of a modern CFO is a more sought-after profile where they play a role as a business partner not just a financial advisor. The modern CFO looks for partnership and agility in their exposure to different parts of the business and it is key to see this function as a critical part of the whole business. 

What’s the biggest win you’ve had at Altima to date?

Altima works with notable successful companies and having the chance to work with these industry leaders is a great experience. I’ve had the opportunity to work with businesses changing the world and with a billion-plus valuation. Being part of hiring their finance leader has been a great achievement. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to join the Altima team?

Altima has a strong methodological approach. We operate at speed whilst always staying close to our clients. Our priority is to find the best finance leader for our clients and advise them along the process. Altima requires diligence and perseverance and anyone who joins the team needs to have the focus to deliver. At the same time, the team here is incredibly supportive and works together for a common goal and supporting our clients during their growth journey.