Case Study | Finance Director

Client Overview

A pan-European residential real estate fund, following the launch of its inaugural fund, sought to internally manage its growing asset base across the UK. To support this transition, a Finance Director was created to lead and scale the finance function — a pivotal role with close collaboration at CEO and CIO level in shaping the company's processes, financial strategy, and governance procedures.

The Challenge

The fund required a Finance Director with a proven track record in high-growth, entrepreneurial environments — someone capable of building and leading a finance function from the ground up while operating at a senior strategic level. The fund had not yet been publicly launched, meaning full confidentiality throughout the process was essential, adding complexity to an already competitive search.

Our Approach

Leadership The search was led by Joseph Morris, deverellsmith's real estate finance specialist. Joseph drew on his extensive network across finance professionals in the property industry, combined with deverellsmith's wider database and research capabilities, to identify all viable candidates across the residential and commercial real estate sectors.

Methodology

• Competitive Market Mapping
• Consultative Process
• Talent Mapping

Results

• Six candidates shortlisted; four interviewed by the client
• Two progressed to a second round, with an offer made to the preferred candidate
• Full search process completed within 10 weeks from project brief to offer
• CVs presented blind to remove identifying details, supporting the client's commitment to a diverse candidate pool
• Ongoing retained partnership established, extending to the wider business

Key Success Factors

A rigorous market mapping exercise identified a longlist of 14 candidates, which Joseph refined through in-depth conversations to a high-quality shortlist. Strict confidentiality protocols, a structured consultative process, and a commitment to diversity of candidates resulted in a placement the client described as exceptionally high calibre — and a long-term recruitment partnership with deverellsmith.