Executive search, delivered through partnership.

Hiring the right leaders requires informed judgement, careful handling and access to individuals who are rarely active in the market.

Macdonald & Company partners with real estate investors, funds, developers and operators worldwide on senior appointments where reputation, timing and credibility are critical to success.

Why executive search with Macdonald & Company is different

Senior appointments have lasting implications for business performance, organisational culture and individual careers. These roles shape direction and leadership continuity in ways that extend well beyond the initial hire.

Most executive search firms follow a rigid, process-driven model: staged fees paid regardless of outcome, progress measured in milestones rather than results, and a significant portion of cost committed before a shortlist exists. Our approach is built differently.

Every search is led directly by senior consultants with 15+ years of real estate recruitment experience. Our fees are structured flexibly and are consistently more competitive than traditional executive search, reflecting shared accountability for the outcome rather than the process. We reach candidates through long-term relationships and direct conversations, not advertising or databases.

The result is a model that prioritises the right appointment over the right process.

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Helping you secure the right leaders for your organisation

  • Traditional executive search firms often use rigid, high‑cost models that do not guarantee a hire

  • Most effective leaders in real estate are not actively seeking new opportunities

  • Senior leaders are selective about who they engage with and respond only to credible, professional informed approaches

  • Poorly judged contact can undermine trust and harm reputation, both for the individual and the organisation

A relationship led, advisory approach

Senior leaders engage when conversations reflect real understanding of their role and priorities.

We bring that understanding to every engagement.

Simon Crabb

London

Simon Crabb

Managing Director

London

Simon Crabb

Managing Director

Simon has worked for Macdonald & Company for two decades, becoming Manager Director for the UK in 2019. He leads the successful contract and permanent teams across the real estate sector. Simon's energy and motivation to supply unparalleled talent solutions to customers remain consistent as the day he joined.

Alex Parkes

Houston

Alex Parkes

Managing Principal

Houston

Alex Parkes

Managing Principal

As the Managing Principal for Macdonald & Company’s North American business, Alex leads the growing U.S. division; focused on the search and placement of real estate professionals in the United States.

Marco Cassandro, Managing Director for International Clients at Macdonald & Company

International

Marco Cassandro

Managing Director

International

Marco Cassandro

Managing Director

Marco is a seasoned international real estate development executive search and recruitment professional with a track record of placing candidates with major developers, contractors, and engineering consultancies internationally.

Ania Prosniak

Frankfurt

Ania Prosniak

Managing Director

Frankfurt

Ania Prosniak

Managing Director

Ania has led the German offices at Macdonald & Company since 2016, initially out of London. In 2018, she moved to Germany and set up the Frankfurt office, before establishing another office Dusseldorf after rapid expansion in the German real estate and related assets market.

Will Glover

Hong Kong

Will Glover

Managing Director

Hong Kong

Will Glover

Managing Director

Will has been leading international business lines and client engagement at Macdonald & Company, overseeing the business in Hong Kong, Singapore and China. Will engages with senior business leaders from all over the world with regard to their plans for Asia, advising on senior level hiring strategies and projects.

Will Buck, Managing Director at Macdonald & Company Asia-Pacific

Singapore

Will Buck

Managing Director

Singapore

Will Buck

Managing Director

Will works closely with an array of real estate companies across Singapore and Asia Pacific, appointing c-suite executive and senior positions that specialise in capital raising, investment and funds, finance, development and core business operations to name but a few.

Julie Teague

Johannesburg

Julie Teague

Managing Director

Johannesburg

Julie Teague

Managing Director

Widely regarded as the most networked recruiter for the African real estate market, Julie works with developers, investors, consultancies, contractors and financial institutions in formulating and executing expansion and operational strategies which are underpinned by introducing the right leaders.

Peter Moore

London

Peter Moore MRICS

CEO

London

Peter Moore MRICS

CEO

As group CEO, Peter oversees Macdonald & Company across the international offices. Peter is a Chartered Surveyor who has worked in the Real Estate Human Capital & Talent Sector for three decades. He specialises in advising clients globally on topics such as remuneration, staff retention, talent selection, mergers and acquisition, HR policy and more.

How we consistently deliver

Executive recruitment at Macdonald & Company

Specialist consultants lead every search

Leadership appointments require experienced judgement from the outset. Every assignment is led directly by our most senior consultants with at least 15 years’ experience recruiting in the real estate industry, deep sector knowledge and networks built over many years, ensuring continuity, credibility and informed decision making from first conversation through to offer and acceptance.

Access to leaders outside the active market

Most senior leaders are not actively seeking new opportunities. We engage individuals through trusted long-term relationships, referrals and direct conversations, allowing discreet access to leadership talent that is not visible through advertising or databases.

A model aligned to successful outcomes

Our approach is focused upon delivery. Unlike traditional restrictive executive search structures that rely on fixed retainers and staged fees regardless of outcome, our model is more flexible and focused on results rather than process milestones.

Timing guided by market and context

At senior level, success depends as much on timing as talent. We advise on when and how to engage leaders, informed by market conditions, organisational readiness and individual motivations, helping clients act with confidence rather than urgency alone.

Objective assessment and external perspective

Independent insight supports better decisions. We provide objective assessment of external candidates and internal talent where relevant, helping boards and leadership teams benchmark capability, test assumptions and decide with clarity.

Discretion embedded throughout the process

Confidentiality is essential. Searches are designed to protect reputation, manage internal dynamics and control market exposure, with careful judgement applied at every stage of engagement.

Decisions that stand up over time

Senior appointments shape organisations well beyond the point of hire. Our focus is supporting leadership decisions that strengthen performance and retention over time, rather than simply completing a placement.

Our partnerships speak for themselves

A handful of organisations we have advised and supported with leadership appointments

PGIM Logo
Ivanhoe Cambridge Logo
Harvest Real Estate Logo
Panattoni Logo
Tishman Speyer Logo
Activum SG Logo
Tritax Big Box Logo
Eco World Logo
Asia Pacific Land APL Lofo
Proterra Properties Logo
CapitaLand Logo
Hines Logo
SEGRO Logo
Verdant Ventures Logo
LSPIM Logo
Barings Logo
Argent Related Logo
Canary Wharf Group Logo
Praxis Logo
Sonaro Real Estate Logo
The Crown Estate Logo
Battersea Power Station Development Logo
PGIM Logo
Ivanhoe Cambridge Logo
Harvest Real Estate Logo
Panattoni Logo
Tishman Speyer Logo
Activum SG Logo
Tritax Big Box Logo
Eco World Logo
Asia Pacific Land APL Lofo
Proterra Properties Logo
CapitaLand Logo
Hines Logo
SEGRO Logo
Verdant Ventures Logo
LSPIM Logo
Barings Logo
Argent Related Logo
Canary Wharf Group Logo
Praxis Logo
Sonaro Real Estate Logo
The Crown Estate Logo
Battersea Power Station Development Logo

Executive search built on trust and experience

Successful senior appointments rely on trusted advisers with the insight and track record to connect the right individuals with confidence.

Begin a confidential, consultative conversation with our team today.


Peter Moore MRICS, CEO

Our offices

Same values, different flavours. Reach out to the experts closest to you.

  • United Kingdom

    • London (HQ)

      50 Great Marlborough Street
      London
      W1F 7JS
      UK
      +44 (0)207 629 7220
    • Manchester

      York House
      20 York Street
      Manchester
      M2 3BB
      UK
      +44 (0)161 605 0500
  • United States

    • Atlanta

      1870 The Exchange
      Suite 200
      Atlanta
      Georgia
      30339
      USA
      +1 (470) 598 1825
    • Charlotte

      3540 Toringdon Way
      Suite 200
      Charlotte
      North Carolina
      28277
      USA
      +1 (704) 579 5287
    • Dallas

      2101 Cedar Springs Road
      Suite 1050
      Dallas
      Texas
      75201
      USA
      +1 (346) 275 3992
    • Denver

      2590 Welton Street
      Suite 200
      Denver
      Colorado
      80205
      USA
      +1 (720) 741 2885
    • Houston

      16200 Park Row
      Suite 175
      Houston
      Texas
      77084
      USA
      +1 (346) 275 3993
    • Indianapolis

      8520 Allison Pointe Blvd,
      Suite 220
      Indianapolis
      Indiana
      46250
      USA
      +1 (463) 314-0360
    • Orlando

      12001 Research Parkway
      Suite 236
      Orlando
      Florida
      32826
      USA
      +1 (407) 550 6725
    • Scottsdale

      3260 North Hayden Road
      Suite 210
      Scottsdale
      Arizona
      85251
      USA
      +1 (213) 556 0250
  • Germany

    • Frankfurt

      Oper46
      Bockenheimer Anlage 46
      Frankfurt am Main
      60322
      Germany
      +49 69 50608659
  • Ireland

    • Dublin

      19 Baggot Street Lower
      Dublin
      D02 X658
      Ireland
      +353 1968 4440
  • Saudi Arabia

    • Riyadh

      Building B, 2nd Floor
      3141 Aas Ibin Malik Road
      Al Malqa
      Riyadh
      13521
      Saudi Arabia
      +44 (0)207 318 5860
  • Singapore

    • Singapore

      The Work Project Level 21
      CapitaSpring
      88 Market Street
      Singapore
      048948
      +65 6713 9640
  • Hong Kong

    • Hong Kong

      8 Wyndham Street
      10th Floor
      Central
      Hong Kong
      Employment Agency
      License No. 66718
      +852 2248 3001
  • South Africa

    • Johannesburg

      Cornerhouse
      10th Avenue & Wessel Road
      Rivonia
      Gauteng
      2128
      South Africa
      +27 (10) 005 1520

Frequently asked questions

Speak to a consultant
  • How is this approach different from traditional executive search?

    We do not operate a fixed, process‑driven, antiquated executive search model. Traditional firms often follow rigid methodologies and inflexible staged fee structures, with progress tied to process milestones rather than outcomes.

    Our approach is more flexible, advisory and partnership led. Senior consultants lead each assignment directly, focusing on judgement, timing and meaningful engagement with the right individuals. We prioritise outcomes over process, aligning our work closely with successful appointments rather than predefined stages.

    This allows organisations to move with greater confidence, engage leaders more effectively and make senior hiring decisions that reflect their specific context.

  • How do your executive search fees compare to traditional executive search?

    Our fees are typically more flexible than traditional executive search models and usually range between 25%-35%, depending on the role, seniority and location.

    Traditional executive search firms often operate at 35% or more, with a structured fee model where payments are made in stages, commonly at engagement, during the search process and on delivery of a shortlist. A significant proportion of these fees is typically non‑refundable, regardless of the final outcome.

    Our approach is designed differently, we are partners. We align more closely to successful delivery, with a flexible structure that reflects partnership and shared accountability. This allows clients to retain greater control over cost while ensuring focus remains on achieving the right leadership outcome.

  • Is this suitable for board and C-suite appointments?

    Yes. We regularly advise on board, executive committee and C-suite appointments where careful judgement, integrity and discretion are paramount.

  • Do you work on confidential or sensitive leadership hires?

    Yes. Many senior appointments require a high level of discretion. We regularly support confidential leadership searches, succession planning and sensitive replacements where reputation and internal dynamics require careful handling. Engagements are managed with minimal exposure and clear control throughout.

  • Can you reach candidates who are not actively looking?

    Yes. Most senior leaders are not actively in the hiring market. We engage passive talent through our trusted long–term relationships, peer referrals and direct conversations developed over many years. This approach allows access to individuals who would not respond to advertising or standard outreach.

  • Do you assess internal candidates as part of the process?

    Where appropriate, we do. We provide objective external assessment of internal candidates alongside external benchmarking, helping boards and leadership teams make informed decisions based on capability and future suitability.

  • Can you support succession planning as well as immediate hires?

    Yes. Alongside live hiring, we advise organisations on succession planning and future leadership needs. This allows decisions to be made with better timing and reduces risk at senior and board level.

  • Do you advise leaders on negotiation and role positioning?

    Yes. Senior roles often involve considerations beyond base salary, including scope, incentives, flexibility and progression. We advise both leaders and organisations during these discussions to ensure clarity, alignment and outcomes that are sustainable for all parties.

  • How involved are you during offer and negotiation?

    We lead through offer development, negotiation and acceptance. At senior level, alignment on expectations, role design and timing is often as critical as remuneration. Our role is to support informed and balanced decisions on both sides, maintaining relationships.

  • Do you advise beyond the hire itself?

    Yes. Our role extends beyond placement. We provide guidance on attraction strategy, market conditions, succession considerations and leadership positioning, supporting decisions that strengthen performance, retention and credibility over time.

  • Who will lead our executive search?

    Our most senior specialist consultants lead every search directly. There is no handover to junior teams or offsite researchers, ensuring expertise and continuity throughout the process.

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