Kerry Allison-Gaines

Kerry Allison-Gaines is a Partner at JM Search and a member of the Firm’s Financial Services Practice. Her deep expertise in capital markets and private debt have made her a powerhouse in the executive search industry. Recognized as one of the preeminent fixed income capital markets search experts, she brings more than 25 years of retained executive search experience and an entrepreneurial mindset that consistently delivers transformative results. Over the course of her career, Kerry has originated and executed more than 400 executive searches, including 60+ retained assignments each for top tier global investment banks such as JPMorgan and Barclays, amongst others. Renowned for her loyalty, tenacity, and relentless drive, she has built a decades-long reputation as an indispensable advisor to the most influential players in the financial services sector.

Prior to joining JM Search, Kerry held Partnership roles at Capitus Associates, CTPartners, and Rhodes Associates, where she consistently ranked among the highest producers in her filed of expertise.  Fearless and entrepreneurial by nature, she also founded her own boutique search firm, Allison-Gaines LLC, where she proved her ability to successfully compete head-to-head with larger firms while delivering best-in-class outcomes for her clients. These achievements cemented her status as a market leader with unmatched insight into the complexities of capital markets and private debt. Kerry’s career is defined by her ability to innovatively shape leadership teams that drive growth, innovation, and long-term value creation for her clients.

Kerry holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Texas. Originally from San Antonio, she spent three decades building her career and reputation in New York City before relocating to Palm Beach, Florida. Outside of her professional pursuits, she is the proud mother of twins who live in New York City and remains passionate about entrepreneurship, client advocacy, and cultivating the next generation of financial leaders.