Executive Director - Leveraged Finance

At Moody’s, we unite the brightest minds to turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s opportunities. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to be who they are—with the freedom to exchange ideas, think innovatively, and listen to each other and customers in meaningful ways. Moody’s is transforming how the world sees risk. As a global leader in ratings and integrated risk assessment, we’re advancing AI to move from insight to action—enabling intelligence that not only understands complexity but responds to it. We decode risk to unlock opportunity, helping our clients navigate uncertainty with clarity, speed, and confidence.

We are seeking candidates who model our values: invest in every relationship, lead with curiosity, champion diverse perspectives, turn inputs into actions, and uphold trust through integrity.

About the role

The Executive Director, North America Leveraged Finance Research & Outreach is a high-profile thought leadership role at Moody’s focused on further strengthening our Leveraged Finance franchise voice in the key North American market. This person will report to the Global Head of Leveraged Finance, within Moody’s Ratings’ Corporate Finance Group (CFG). This role demands a definitive authority and recognized thought leader who sets the strategic direction for the North American Leveraged Finance franchise, ensures alignment with firm-wide objectives, translates enterprise vision into actionable plans, collaborates across teams and regions, manages risks, and delivers exceptional results, customer satisfaction, and analytical prowess, with firm-wide impact on regulatory relationships and market credibility.

At Moody’s, we believe strong leadership is grounded in vision, agility, and purpose. We look for individuals who are forward-thinking, embrace change, champion innovation, and communicate with clarity and empathy. Whether working across teams, technologies, or geographies, we value those who inspire others, lead with emotional intelligence, and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and shared success.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for and drive execution of the CFG strategy for Leveraged Finance Research & Outreach in the North American region, including enhancing the suite of periodical (and ad hoc) publications and digital assets, support for campaigns, outreach events, and developing our credit voice in the market
• Represent the franchise internally and externally at the highest levels, shaping firm-wide standards and strategic priorities through executive presence, articulating our perspective on leveraged finance trends and credit risk
• Serve as the recognized authority and subject matter expert for Leveraged Finance topics and themes, identifying and responding to evolving market trends and providing consistency in the approach to complex transactions, in collaboration with CSS
• Maintain and grow strong relationships with key stakeholders at the highest levels, including customers (corporate high yield issuers, private equity sponsors, intermediaries), investors, media, and regulatory bodies
• Partner with executive leadership and collaborate with other regional Leveraged Finance teams, other rating teams and CSS teams, fostering a culture of excellence, coordination and innovation, and building sustainable capability across the organization
• Work hand in hand with the Private Credit franchise to deliver top-class One Moody’s analytical and market engagement
• Lead and manage teams of Leveraged Finance professionals including SVPs, VPs, AVPs and Associates, contributing to the body of research and outreach (in close coordination with the Covenants Specialists), and owning recruitment, coaching, performance management, and providing mentorship, guidance and opportunities for career development to build sustainable organizational capability, in alignment with Moody’s Ratings objectives
• Serve as Rating Committee Chair and Credit Estimates approver
• Champion innovation and set the innovation agenda for the Leveraged Finance franchise, leading transformational programs including digital and AI-enabled enhancements, and driving data, digitalization and process initiatives for the Leveraged Finance portfolio, with an emphasis on standardization, harmonization, automation and operational efficiency
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal policies, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency

Requirements

• 15+ years of progressive experience in leveraged finance, credit analysis, investment banking, or a related financial services field, with a track record of enterprise-level strategic impact, thought leadership, and success in senior leadership roles across credit ratings and risk management
• Deep understanding of high-yield debt instruments, leveraged loans, private credit and evolving capital markets with the ability to navigate complex financial transactions and market dynamics
• Exceptional analytical, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s/MBA strongly preferred. CFA required. Executive education expected.
• Recognized authority in leveraged finance with executive presence and the ability to influence regulators, senior industry stakeholders, and firm-wide standards

Skills

• Thought Leadership: Recognized authority who sets the direction for and ensures delivery of top-quality research and outreach contributions that drive growth, relevance and firm-wide market credibility
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of leveraged finance and private credit products, markets, and risk management principles
• Relationship Management: Excellent ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, investors, and stakeholders
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex financial transactions and challenges with a positive, constructive, results-oriented approach
• Talent Development: Proven experience in building and sustaining organizational capability, nurturing and inspiring high-performing teams including SVPs, VPs, AVPs and Associates
• Enterprise Impact: Ability to translate enterprise vision into actionable plans and to shape firm-wide outcomes, regulatory relationships, and market credibility
• Innovation & Transformation: Champions innovation, sets the innovation agenda for the area of responsibility, and leads transformational programs including digital and AI-enabled enhancements

Pay

For US-based roles only: the anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $245,400.00 - $355,800.00, depending on factors such as experience, education, level, skills, and location. This range is based on a full-time position. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for a completion bonus. Moody’s also offers insurance and a discounted employee stock purchase plan for limited duration employees.