We sat down with Martin, Investment Banking Director in our Munich office to discuss his five years at Bryan, Garnier & Co.

You’ve been at Bryan, Garnier & Co for the last five years. Can you tell us what initially attracted you to the company, and how your journey began? 

I joined Bryan, Garnier & Co in early 2020 as a Vice President in the tech team. Before that, I worked at a tech and healthcare-focused boutique that primarily served the DACH region. I was looking for a more international setup, but one that still retained the boutique feel. Bryan, Garnier & Co ticked those boxes, offering an international brand with the right focus areas, especially in tech, which has always been my passion. It felt like a natural next step in my career.

Over the past almost five years, how have your roles and responsibilities evolved, and how has this contributed to your personal and professional growth? 

When I first started, my work was heavily execution-focused, handling day-to-day tasks related to transactions. As I gained more experience, I transitioned into a more client-facing role, taking on greater responsibility not only within the team but also within the sector. My role has expanded into origination, as well as staff recruitment and management. I’ve also taken on a people management role, both within the office and on transactions. Over time, my responsibilities have grown to encompass both client management and mentoring younger team members. 

Persistence, focus, and excellent interpersonal skills are key to making things work smoothly.

What makes Bryan, Garnier & Co stand out compared to other companies? 

It’s the entrepreneurial spirit here. We have an international yet close-knit setup with flat hierarchies, which means you can approach anyone for advice or support. It’s quite different from larger banks or even smaller firms where that level of openness isn’t as common. If you find a niche that’s underdeveloped and put in the effort, you can quickly grow and establish something meaningful. This freedom to build within the firm is one of the things that makes Bryan, Garnier & Co unique. 

Could you share a memorable deal that you’ve been involved in during your time here? 

I would say there is no specific transaction, but one deal that comes to my mind was about a global IT services company. It was a founder-led business with strong operations in India, and the founders were a group of four young entrepreneurs, all around in their mid-30s. The dynamic within the team was unique and despite the challenges, the transaction was a success for both the client and the firm. It’s these kinds of international, high-energy deals that make my job exciting.

What are some of the everyday challenges you face in your work, and what qualities are essential to handle them? 

Every transaction is unique, from the people involved to the process itself. The most challenging part is aligning all the stakeholders – whether it’s investors, management, or others – so that everyone is working toward the same goal. You have to be a strong people manager and process manager to bring it all together. Of course, understanding the technical aspects of the deal is crucial, but managing personalities and expectations is where the real complexity lies. Persistence, focus, and excellent interpersonal skills are key to making things work smoothly. 

What do you think is the most critical quality for success in investment banking? 

Persistence and client focus are essential. It’s about striving for quality at every stage and making sure you’re consistently delivering the best outcomes for your clients. You also need to be adaptable and have strong time management skills. Over time, the focus shifts from purely technical work to managing people and relationships, which requires a different set of skills. 

It’s about striving for quality at every stage and making sure you’re consistently delivering the best outcomes for your clients.