Chief Executive Officer – Europe
Global Leading Real Estate Investment & Asset Management Group
Location: London (with pan-European responsibility)
Role Overview
Our client is a global leading real estate investment and asset management group with a diversified international portfolio across core, value-add, and development assets. The group is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer – Europe to lead its European platform, driving investment performance, portfolio value creation, and strategic expansion across key markets.
This is a senior executive leadership role responsible for the full European platform, including investment, development, and asset management activities. The CEO will work closely with global headquarters, institutional investors, and strategic capital partners to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns and long-term portfolio value.
The role requires a highly experienced real estate leader with a strong track record in large-scale portfolio management, asset repositioning, development execution, and full-cycle investment strategy across Europe.
Key Responsibilities
1. Regional Leadership & Strategic Execution
* Lead the European platform across investment, development, and asset management functions
* Act as the key executive counterpart to global leadership on all regional strategy and execution matters
* Translate global investment strategy into actionable European market execution plans
* Oversee country leadership teams and ensure alignment across multiple jurisdictions
* Build a high-performance, execution-driven organizational culture aligned with institutional standards
* Represent the platform to institutional investors, capital partners, and strategic stakeholders
2. Portfolio Strategy & Value Creation
* Drive optimization of a diversified real estate portfolio across Europe
* Lead asset repositioning, redevelopment, and operational turnaround initiatives to enhance value
* Improve NOI performance through active leasing strategies, cost optimization, and operational efficiency
* Implement ESG and sustainability frameworks aligned with institutional investor expectations
* Develop scalable operating models to support long-term platform growth and expansion
3. Investment, Development & Execution Oversight
* Oversee acquisition, development, and asset enhancement strategies across European markets
* Ensure disciplined capital allocation and investment governance across the portfolio
* Supervise major development projects including planning, construction, and delivery execution
* Manage joint ventures, co-investments, and strategic partnerships with institutional counterparts
* Ensure strong governance, reporting, and risk management across all assets and projects
4. Capital Markets & Exit Strategy
* Design and execute structured exit strategies including disposals, recapitalizations, and portfolio rotations
* Engage with institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, and private equity partners on transactions
* Optimize timing and structure of asset exits based on market conditions and performance metrics
* Maximize IRR and capital efficiency through disciplined asset recycling strategies
5. Organisational Leadership & Platform Building
* Build and scale a high-performing European leadership team across investment, asset management, and development
* Mentor senior executives and develop next-generation leadership capabilities within the platform
* Institutionalize governance, reporting, and decision-making frameworks aligned with global standards
* Drive performance management through KPIs, accountability, and transparency across the organization
Candidate Profile
Experience & Expertise
* 15–25+ years of senior leadership experience in real estate investment, asset management, or development platforms
* Proven track record leading multi-country or pan-European real estate portfolios
* Strong experience across full investment lifecycle: acquisition, development, asset management, and exit
* Demonstrated success in value creation through repositioning, redevelopment, or turnaround strategies
* Strong exposure to institutional capital markets and global investors
Leadership Capabilities
* Strong ability to lead complex, multi-jurisdictional real estate platforms
* Credible investor-facing executive with experience engaging institutional capital partners
* Hands-on operator with strong strategic and commercial judgment
* Proven track record of building and scaling international teams
* Strong governance mindset aligned with institutional investment standards
Personal Attributes
* Entrepreneurial, execution-driven leadership style
* Highly analytical with strong commercial acumen
* Comfortable operating across board, investor, and operational environments
* Willing to travel extensively across Europe (70–80%)
Location
* Based in London, with responsibility for all European operations
* Extensive travel across European markets required
* Occasional international travel for global coordination and investor engagement