Case Study | UK Director of Asset Management

Client Overview

A Blackstone portfolio company and leading provider of real estate solutions to the life science and technology industries, the business owns and operates high-quality life science real estate across major innovation markets in the United States and United Kingdom. With approximately three million square feet of Class A properties in active construction, the company was scaling rapidly to meet growing demand across the life science sector.

The Challenge

This was a newly created role requiring a candidate with highly specialist knowledge — including experience of ventilation, sanitation, and cleanliness requirements specific to life science environments — as well as the commercial acumen to identify growth opportunities across the UK. The majority of professionals matching the specification were London-based and unwilling to relocate or commute to the Cambridge site, making it essential to identify candidates with the right transferable skills to operate at the required level without direct Science Park experience.

Our Approach

Leadership The search was led by a consultant with 15 years' industry experience, who combined deverellsmith's data and research capabilities with an extensive personal network to identify, seek referrals from, and directly engage the right individuals. deverellsmith's established track record with US-headquartered real estate firms ensured efficient processes and clear transatlantic communication throughout.

Methodology

• Competitive Market Mapping
• Talent Mapping
• Executive Search Framework

Results

• Over 200 director-level professionals mapped across Asset Management and Leasing in the commercial sector
• London-centric search with Cambridge surrounds also covered
• Successful placement made into a highly specified, newly created role
• Search executed seamlessly despite client project team being US-based

Key Success Factors

A combination of deep market mapping, senior consultant network, and experience advising candidates on US-headquartered working environments proved critical to the success of this search. The ability to identify transferable talent beyond the obvious candidate pool — and guide them through an unfamiliar employer context — delivered a high-calibre appointment into a uniquely demanding role.