Corporate Development Hierarchy

I'm interested in transitioning into Corporate/Business Development and am looking to reach out to some individuals at a few companies I'm interested in. I want to contact someone not too senior or junior (i.e. VP in Investment Bank), and I was wondering if anyone had a good idea of the hierarchy structure in these departments.

Through researching on Linkedin, I've found the following titles: Director, Manager, VP, Associate, and Analyst. I'm pretty sure Associate and Analyst are towards the bottom just like in IB, but I'm not sure how the other positions line up (something is telling me VP is the most senior).

If anyone has a good idea on this, I would really appreciate a heads up. Thanks.

6 Comments
 

Depends on the company and group. Some only have a VP (or maybe an SVP or EVP) at the top and some junior guys under them. Others are more structured, like a typical IB.

Because it varies some from firm to firm, it would be tough to be certain, but stick with Associates or VP.

I've seen VP/Dir/Manager at the same level, but generally VP/Dir are probably at the top.

 

To be more specific, I've seen Director, Manager AND Vice President at the same company/group. What's the best guess on the hierarchy (from 1 to 3)?

 

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the feedback.

Now for my next question: Would it be out of line to reach out to a VP via email? Should I keep it more junior (i.e. Director)? I would like to reach out to both, but that might not come off well.

 

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