Elevating Spaces: Strategic Direction in Real Estate Innovation

Client Overview

Our client is an iconic global real estate firm and a diversified developer, operator, and investment manager of top-tier real estate across the US, Europe, Asia, and South America. They create vibrant destinations and dynamic environments that inspire innovation and connected communities. Their diversified portfolio spans luxury and affordable residential communities, premier office properties and retail spaces, industrial facilities, and mixed-use campuses. Through their Breakthrough Properties joint venture, they develop state-of-the-art life science centers and foster innovation via their proptech platform. The company is dedicated to driving transformative growth for customers, investors, and the communities they serve.

The Challenge/Mandate

We partnered with this leading global real estate development and investment firm to find a Director for their Strategy & Innovation Group. The Director would be responsible for shaping the future vision of the business and leading senior management across all global strategic initiatives.

This role required the individual to:

• Develop an in-depth understanding of the client’s business, regional operations, and global real estate markets.
• Implement and execute strategic initiatives organization-wide.
• Collaborate with regional leaders, departments, and senior executives to drive corporate strategy and innovation initiatives.
• Support and drive conceptual problem-solving with senior management to address business challenges across the client’s global portfolio and business lines.

Former consultants in this role have progressed to leading business units or transitioned into leadership roles on the real estate side, depending on their career interests.

Search Strategy

We focused on identifying candidates with strategy consulting experience as an Engagement Manager at a top-tier firm (McKinsey, Bain, or BCG strongly preferred). Exposure to real estate or real estate technology was a desired attribute, as was a demonstrated interest in the sector. An MBA was considered a plus. We prioritized candidates with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams, drive global initiatives, and provide innovative solutions within complex organizations.

The Placement

The finalist selected for the role was a former Associate Partner at McKinsey and a core leader within the firm’s Real Estate practice across both Europe and the US. He brings extensive experience in strategy, digital transformation, and sustainability. Known for his ability to combine analytical rigor with a collaborative approach, he has advised global real estate clients on innovation initiatives, operational improvements, and long-term growth strategies. His background makes him well-suited to align with the firm’s mission of delivering transformative impact across its global portfolio.

The Outcome

Since joining, the Director of Strategy has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s global vision and executing strategic initiatives across regions. He has driven cross-functional collaboration to launch new innovation frameworks, supported senior executives in conceptual problem-solving, and created alignment around global priorities. His efforts have enhanced the firm’s ability to navigate complex market dynamics and positioned it for sustained growth in an evolving real estate landscape.