Top 9 Real Estate Executive Search Firms for 2025
Finding senior leaders in real estate is getting tougher every year, and the 2025 real estate recruitment statistics confirm that.
A 2024 report by Deloitte estimates that nearly 59% of existing industry leaders will hit retirement age within the next decade. That means a lot of corner offices will soon be empty.
Add the fact that senior hires can take up to nine months to close in markets like the UK, and the picture gets clear: the race for top talent is already on. And while 59% of organizations have defined succession plans to keep leadership stable, unexpected exits still slow things down.
When a key leader leaves, deals pause and projects slip. That’s why companies are relying on executive search firms to connect with proven executives fast. They know the market, spot the leaders who drive growth, and reach top talent you won’t find on job boards.
If you’re looking to secure leadership that can steer growth through 2025 and beyond, this list of the best real estate executive search firms is your starting point.
Let’s take a look, shall we?
TL;DR
Short on time? These five standouts lead the field for real estate executive search in 2025:
- Estate Skyline: Real estate–only executive search with global reach and a 38-day average time-to-fill.
- Korn Ferry: Global recruiting powerhouse with unmatched data tools and passive-candidate reach.
- H Two National: CRE specialist delivering candidate slates in just seven days.
- Macdonald & Company: 30+ years placing senior real estate leaders across Europe, the U.S., Asia, and the Middle East.
These are the firms to call when you need proven leadership, without waiting a year to find it.
What to Look for in a Real Estate Executive Search Firm
Think of a real estate executive search firm as a high-level hiring partner focused solely on senior property roles.
They specialize in placing CEOs, COOs, development heads, and other leaders who shape investment and growth strategies. Instead of fishing in generic candidate pools, these firms maintain direct connections with proven executives who rarely answer job ads.
They’re most valuable when you face situations like these:
- Leadership gaps that could slow down deals or development projects.
- Expansion into new markets that demand trusted local or global leadership.
- The need for highly specialised skills (think capital markets or PropTech) where qualified candidates are scarce.
When it’s time to choose an executive search partner in real estate, don’t settle for a logo. Look for these qualities:
- Proven senior placement record: Ask for evidence of successful C-suite hires and data on how long those leaders stay.
- Deep real estate focus: Make sure they know the commercial, residential, and mixed-use sectors from the inside.
- Strong national and global reach: They should have relationships that span regions, so your search isn’t limited to one market.
- Clear, end-to-end process: From market mapping to final offer, every step should be transparent and built for speed and accuracy.
- Retention and impact metrics: A credible firm tracks outcomes and can show how its placements perform over time.
With these checkpoints in mind, you can focus on a partner that can fill critical leadership seats without slowing growth.
Meet the Best 9 Real Estate Executive Search Firms
For 2025, these firms stand out in senior real estate hiring. Their market knowledge and consistent results make them key allies for building leadership teams:
1. Estate Skyline
Website: estateskyline.co
When a senior seat opens in real estate, every week without the right leader costs time and money. And Estate Skyline is built to close that gap fast.
This real estate executive search firm works only in property leadership recruitment. They help developers, REITs, brokerages, and PropTech companies secure executives who can steer growth from day one.
Their reach spans the U.S., Canada, UK, UAE, Singapore, and Australia, so clients can move quickly across key markets without juggling multiple partners.
What sets Estate Skyline apart is its preparation. They track top executives early and keep strong ties, so when a key role opens, they already know who fits. So when a CEO, COO, or head of development position suddenly opens, they already know who’s ready for the conversation.
Key Services:
- Executive search for development, operations, finance, and sales
- Fractional and interim leadership
- Recruitment process outsourcing (RPO)
- Talent advisory on hiring strategy, org design, and retention
- International search across 20+ countries
Roles They Help Fill: CEOs, COOs, CFOs, VPs of sales or operations, heads of development or construction, regional and portfolio leaders, and interim or fractional executives.
Why Choose Them:
Estate Skyline averages 38 days to fill executive roles and keeps a client return rate above 90%. That mix of speed and precision means less downtime and stronger leadership continuity for growing property businesses.
2. Korn Ferry
Website: kornferry.com
Korn Ferry brings heavyweight resources to real estate hiring. With recruiters in 50+ countries, they connect property firms with senior leaders who usually stay off the market.
Their client list runs from mid-sized developers to Fortune 500 construction groups, so they’re comfortable working on complex, high-stakes searches.
The real perk of this firm is its groundwork. Korn Ferry’s real estate specialists track leadership changes, keep an active eye on rising talent, and map out candidate pools well before a role opens.
Key Services:
- Executive search across the real estate value chain
- Leadership and succession planning
- Talent mapping and market intelligence
- Direct hire, contract, and contract-to-hire
- Assessment and development tools
Roles They Help Fill: C-suite executives (CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, CHRO), managing directors, heads of development or asset management, legal and compliance leaders, and senior VPs for sales and operations.
Why Choose Them:
Korn Ferry combines broad candidate reach with on-the-ground insight. That way, they give real estate companies a faster, clearer path to leaders who can keep projects and portfolios moving.
3. Rhodes Associates
Website: rhodesassociates.com
More than five decades in real estate recruiting have made Rhodes Associates a trusted name for C-suite and senior leadership searches.
Founded in New York in 1969, they’ve guided some of the industry’s biggest hires across commercial, residential, investment, and PropTech sectors.
Their longevity comes from deep, ongoing relationships with executives and investors alike. They know who’s open to the right opportunity and how to approach high-profile candidates with discretion.
Key Services:
- Executive search for senior and C-suite real estate roles
- Organizational strategy and talent consulting
- Succession planning
- Team buildouts for growing or restructuring divisions
- Diversity recruitment initiatives
- Culture alignment and assessment
Roles They Help Fill: CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CIOs, CHROs, presidents, EVPs, regional heads, and leaders in development, asset management, construction, capital markets, and PropTech.
Why Choose Them:
With 50+ years focused exclusively on real estate leadership, Rhodes Associates has the insight and contacts to make tough executive searches easier.
4. H Two National
Website: htwonational.com
Few firms know commercial real estate hiring like H Two National. Based in Charlotte and active nationwide, they’ve completed over 5,000 senior placements and are known for delivering candidate shortlists within seven days.
Their team, led by industry veteran Leo Turley, keeps a close pulse on every CRE segment: hospitality, multifamily, senior living, and more. That market knowledge means they can focus quickly on executives with the right experience and track record.
Key Services:
- Executive search for C-level, VP, director, and regional leadership
- Nationwide CRE recruitment
- Search process advisory and strategy
- Discipline-specific placements in finance, asset management, development, and more
Roles They Help Fill: CEOs, COOs, CFOs, heads of development or finance, investment leaders, VPs and regional directors in operations, leasing, or marketing, and asset or portfolio managers.
Why Choose Them:
H Two National combines deep CRE expertise with quick turnaround, helping property companies secure leaders who can keep projects and revenue targets on schedule.
5. Keller Executive Search
Website: kellerexecutivesearch.com
Expanding into new markets is tough without leaders who understand the terrain, and Keller Executive Search is built for those moments.
Their global network covers North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, and their real estate practice focuses on senior roles that drive long-term growth.
Rather than simply sourcing names, Keller digs into a company’s structure and future plans. This ensures every candidate fits the role now and supports the company’s long-term goals.
Key Services:
- Executive search for C-suite and senior leadership roles
- Succession planning and leadership advisory
- Leadership assessment and coaching
- Interim executive placements
- Organizational consulting and workforce planning
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion–driven searches
Roles They Help Fill: Chief executives, chief operating or investment officers, heads of development or construction, regional or portfolio managing directors, PropTech executives, and board-level advisors.
Why Choose Them:
By pairing a worldwide network with sharp strategic insight, Keller helps property companies hire executives ready to steer challenging growth plans.
6. Spencer Stuart
Website: spencerstuart.com
When board or CEO succession is on the line, real estate companies often call Spencer Stuart first. With offices in more than 30 countries, their team manages high-stakes executive searches where stability and long-term strategy are non-negotiable.
Their process begins by looking closely at a company’s leadership gaps and future challenges. Then they line up candidates with the right skills and a culture fit that works long term.
Key Services:
- Executive search for C-suite, board, and senior leadership
- CEO succession and transition planning
- Board effectiveness and composition advisory
- Leadership assessment and team development
- Organisational consulting and governance strategy
Roles They Help Fill: CEOs, COOs, CFOs, presidents, regional executives, heads of acquisitions or asset management, managing directors, and senior VPs in marketing, legal, technology, and HR.
Why Choose Them:
Spencer Stuart’s 94% placement retention rate and 300+ senior-level real estate searches show they know how to build leadership teams that last.
7. Macdonald & Company
Website: macdonaldandcompany.com
For companies seeking experienced leaders across borders, Macdonald & Company is a solid ally.
For more than 30 years, they’ve focused on real estate recruitment in Europe, the U.S., Asia, and the Middle East. This reach helps them connect property firms with executives who deliver results in different markets.
Mid-to-senior executive hiring is their strength. They place leaders who shape investments, manage major portfolios, and direct development, making sure each hire fits the company culture.
Key Services:
- Retained executive search for leadership roles
- Mid-to-senior level recruitment for directors and department heads
- Salary benchmarking and market insights
- Leadership advisory and strategic hiring support
- Permanent and contract placements
Roles They Help Fill: C-level leaders (CEO, CFO, COO, CIO), heads of asset and investment management, development directors, regional VPs, and functional heads in legal, HR, finance, and operations.
Why Choose Them:
This firm leverages a global network and sharp market insight to connect property firms with executives who fit both the role’s technical demands and the company culture.
8. Cowen Partners
Website: cowenpartners.com
Big portfolios call for leaders with proven financial and operational skills, and Cowen Partners focuses exactly there.
Operating across the United States, they specialise in senior searches for companies with $50 million or more in revenue or real estate assets exceeding $1 billion.
From the first conversation to the final offer, a senior partner leads the search. This direct guidance speeds the process and keeps only top candidates in play.
Key Services:
- Retained executive search for C-suite and senior real estate leadership
- Focus on diversity in candidate pipelines
- Recruitment for VP and director-level roles in finance, legal, and operations
Roles They Help Fill: CEOs, COOs, CFOs, chief legal officers, general counsels, chief accounting officers, and senior directors in development, construction, and portfolio management.
Why Choose Them:
This firm delivers experienced, partner-led searches and diverse candidate options. That makes Cowen Partners a strong ally for firms managing large-scale assets or complex real estate operations.
9. Trovato Group
Website: trovatogroup.com
Trovato Group keeps its focus tight: real estate leadership, done with a boutique touch.
Based in the U.S., they’ve built a strong record of placing senior talent in development, construction, finance, and property management. All while keeping a secondary eye on information security.
What clients like most is the way Trovato works. The team looks into company goals and culture before reaching out to candidates. That groundwork means every shortlist is lean, relevant, and ready to move when you are.
Key Services:
- Executive search for senior roles in real estate and development
- Recruitment strategy advisory
- Candidate evaluation and culture fit assessment
- Talent retention consulting
- Leadership pipeline planning
Roles They Help Fill: Presidents, CEOs, and COOs; VPs and regional leaders in development and construction. CFOs, controllers, and heads of real estate finance. Directors of property and asset management, and senior leaders across REITs, private equity, and development firms.
Why Choose Them:
Trovato Group is people-first and culture-focused. Clients value their persistence, personal service, and proven talent for aligning senior hires with company goals and culture. All without the heavy bureaucracy of big agencies.
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Executive Search Partner?
Finding a search firm is one thing, but picking the right one is where the real work starts. Before signing a contract, take a step back and define exactly what your company needs in its next leader.
Here’s a practical checklist to guide the decision:
1. Clarify leadership goals
Decide what success looks like for the role. Are you strengthening operations, entering new markets, or planning a succession?
2. Match industry focus and reach
Compare firms based on how deeply they work in your real estate segment (commercial, residential, PropTech), and where they have proven connections.
3. Evaluate their candidate network
The best firms keep ongoing relationships with high-level professionals. Ask how they maintain those networks and how quickly they can tap them.
4. Check real outcomes
Look for client success stories and retention rates. Strong data shows that their placements last and perform.
5. Understand fees and timelines
Request a clear breakdown of pricing, average time-to-fill, and what happens if a placement doesn’t work out.
A search partner should feel like an extension of your leadership team, bringing market intelligence and trusted connections to every conversation.
Start Your Leadership Search with a Proven Real Estate Partner
Strong leadership is what keeps real estate projects on track and growth plans alive. When a key role opens, the firm you choose to lead the search can make or break the outcome.
Estate Skyline is built for that moment. With a real estate–only focus and a proven ability to place senior leaders quickly, they give companies the confidence to move ahead without missing a beat.
The next move is clear: connect with us, outline your leadership goals, and start a search that brings the right executive on board.
FAQs
What does a real estate executive search firm actually do?
Think of these firms as dedicated partners for senior hiring. They research the market, reach out to proven leaders who aren’t answering job ads, and guide you from first contact to signed offer.
How is an executive search firm different from a regular recruiter?
Regular recruiters post jobs and wait. Executive search firms go after high-level candidates directly, using deep industry knowledge and confidential outreach to find people with the right mix of experience and leadership style.
Which leadership roles can they help fill?
Anything at the top of the org chart (CEOs, COOs, CFOs), as well as heads of development, operations, asset management, or marketing. If the role drives strategy, they can handle it.
How long does the process usually take?
Senior hires can take a few months. Top firms provide clear timelines and regular updates, so you’re informed at every step.
Do they only work in one city or region?
Not at all. Many have a national or global reach. It’s worth asking where they have strong networks, so you know your search isn’t limited.
What’s the best way to choose the right firm?
Look for a clear track record in real estate leadership, strong candidate relationships, and open communication. A quick conversation with a top firm like Estate Skyline will show you how well they understand your goals.
