The brief: NED for one of the largest international property developers, landowners and investors with £12.bn of assets
Another longstanding client, on this occasion we were tasked with conducting an international search to identify candidates for a role on the main board of this major international property developer, landowner and investor with an iconic UK estate as well as a diverse property portfolio spread across 60 countries, and £12.6bn of assets under management.
The challenge was to run a discreet, targeted search to identify heavy-weight international business leaders in Europe, with strong connections into policy makers in different markets. An emphasis was placed on finding people who would be collaborative and bring a low-ego style to the board table.
Credible candidates may have served on boards of large entities in Europe or served as a senior government Minister, or have other experience giving them a strong understanding of politics in Europe. Regardless of background, it was key that this person have a commercial and strategic mind-set. Candidates would ideally be capable of, and open to, chairing the Audit Committee and in addition an emphasis was placed on diversity and in particular attracting top female leaders to the opportunity to help bring a better gender balance to the board.
Diverse commercial candidate pool and successful appointment
Credible candidates may have served on boards of large entities in Europe or served as a senior government Minister, or have other experience giving them a strong understanding of politics in Europe. Regardless of background, it was key that this person have a commercial and strategic mind-set. Candidates would ideally be capable of, and open to, chairing the Audit Committee and in addition an emphasis was placed on diversity and in particular attracting top female leaders to the opportunity to help bring a better gender balance to the board.
- 23 candidates were presented for consideration – 15 of whom (65%) were women.
- 13 candidates were longlisted and 4 were shortlisted (3 of whom were women)
The appointed candidate (a woman) served as an executive on the managing board of a €78bn European headquartered technology business and brought considerable non-executive experience from other multinational automotive, FMCG and technology companies. Her credentials around ESG particularly stood out for our client, as they aligned well with its own focus on sustainability.