Successful bank CEOs once came in two flavors: charismatic celebrity and technocrat.
In the post-meltdown era, executives who embody both roles are in huge demand, according to a white paper from S. John Kim, global co-leader of the financial-services practice at executive recruiter Heidrick & Struggles.
Banks need strong managers "with vision and a risk-control focus," said Kim.
Another must-have: courage.
Many market players have been too frightened to make decisions. But top talent will gravitate to bold leaders, according to Kim.