Investment bankers may be hired for their technical expertise and knowledge of a particular market or product, but what is also true is that their bank is often most interested in the personal relationships an employee will bring with them.

For senior bankers, close relationships with chief executives, chairmen or other senior managers of the largest companies are highly prized as a source of revenues and status within the hierarchy. But what happens when the chief executive or manager in question leaves? This has become a pressing concern for bankers as the financial crisis has led to the departure of a large number of executives from many of the biggest companies.