Client Overview
An international real estate developer and long-term investor, part of a privately owned global group, holds a substantial UK commercial portfolio spanning offices, retail and wider commercial assets, including office space within a major regeneration scheme in East London.
The Challenge
With its long-serving Director of Commercial retiring, the business wanted to bring fresh perspective into a role overseeing its entire UK commercial portfolio. The appointment carried real commercial pressure and a package that needed careful positioning:
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East London office space had proved hard to lease since the pandemic, compounded by its location
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Four days a week in the office, with significant travel across the portfolio
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A senior leadership team spread internationally
Our Approach
Leadership
The search was carried out by Hannah Taylor, Senior Manager. With 10 years' experience in real estate and leadership of deverellsmith's investment and asset management teams, Hannah brought deep market knowledge and strong relationships with senior commercial property professionals.
Overview of Methodology
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Targeted executive search: every candidate was approached directly, producing a longlist of 50 senior commercial property leaders
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Salary benchmarking and advice: used market insight to make the case for raising the salary, so the offer could attract the calibre of talent required
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Focused, decisive process: interviewed a shortlist of six, then moved quickly on a standout candidate to meet the senior leadership team ahead of an offer
Results
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Longlist of 50, all approached through executive search
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Shortlist of 6 interviewed
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Outstanding candidate identified from the outset and fast-tracked to the SLT
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Offer made, resulting in a successful appointment
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The East London office space has since achieved significant leasing success, resolving the business's biggest challenge
Key Success Factors
A clear understanding of the package's limitations, combined with candid advice on salary, allowed the role to compete for top talent. A fully targeted search, a tight shortlist and the confidence to act decisively on an exceptional candidate delivered a hire who has since turned the business's most pressing commercial challenge into a success story.
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