Acuity Knowledge Partners names Doug Bowers as Senior Advisor – Banking

2 May 2024, New York – Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity), a leading provider of bespoke research, analytics, staffing and technology solutions to the financial services sector, welcomes Doug Bowers as its new Senior Advisor – Banking, with a primary focus on North American banking institutions.

In his role, Bowers alongside his colleagues will advise clients on various initiatives designed to make banks more effective and efficient. He will report to Damian Burleigh, Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer, Acuity Knowledge Partners.

“We are delighted to welcome Doug to Acuity,” said Burleigh. “With his wide-ranging background and considerable success in financial services, Doug will bring valuable expertise to Acuity’s banking teams and contribute to its sustained growth”.

"At Acuity, we recognise that our success hinges on strong teams. Doug’s appointment mirrors the remarkable growth in our North American lending division," added Rajul Sood, Managing Director and Global Head of Lending Services, Acuity Knowledge Partners. "As we expand globally, his profound experience in lending will significantly help us in carrying out our strategic roadmap."

Doug Bowers served as President and CEO of Banc of California from 2017 to 2019, where he strategically repositioned the bank, transformed its leadership team recast its balance sheet and upgraded its regulatory and legal standing, resulting in a much-improved financial outlook and competitive stance. Previously, Doug had been President and CEO of Square 1 Bank, where he led the bank’s considerable turnaround, resulting in an IPO and later a sale of the bank at among the highest valuations attained in the banking industry in the last 15 years. Doug spent two years in Lone Star Funds (private equity), co-leading its banking practice. For nearly 30 years, Bowers worked at Bank of America (BAC), where he led a series of wholesale banking businesses, including middle-market banking, large corporate banking, leasing, trade finance and foreign exchange. Bowers was also based in London for two years leading BAC’s businesses as President of EMEA.

“I am excited to join Acuity Knowledge Partners and contribute to its mission of delivering exceptional solutions that clients rely on,” Bowers remarked. “I look forward to applying my experience in banking to position Acuity as a trusted partner that continues to meet the ever-evolving strategic needs of banks in North America”.

About Acuity Knowledge Partners

Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity) is a leading provider of bespoke research, analytics and technology solutions to the financial services sector, including asset managers, corporate and investment banks, private equity and venture capital firms, hedge funds and consulting firms. Its global network of over 6,000 analysts and industry experts, combined with proprietary technology, supports more than 500 financial institutions and consulting companies to operate more efficiently and unlock their human capital, driving revenue higher and transforming operations. Acuity is headquartered in London and operates from 10 locations worldwide.

Acuity was established as a separate business from Moody’s Corporation in 2019, following its acquisition by Equistone Partners Europe (Equistone). In January 2023, funds advised by global private equity firm Permira acquired a majority stake in the business from Equistone, which remains invested as a minority shareholder.

For more information, please visit www.acuitykp.com

Media contact:
Stuti Das
Global Head of Communications and PR
Acuity Knowledge Partners
stuti.das@acuitykp.com