Talent Trends in Real Estate – 2023

Article

Portrait of Debra Barbanel, leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates

Portrait of Cameron Scott, leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates

March 08, 2023

3 min

Industry Trends Financial Services Private Capital Real Estate Executive Search Board Effectiveness Development and Transition

Executive summary

Russell Reynolds Associates captured 4 developing themes that redefine the 2023 talent landscape.

Debra Barbanel

Los Angeles

Cameron Scott

New York

1. Short-Term Slowdown & Cautious Optimism

Overview

While we expect slower hiring and some clients are “pausing” recruiting mandates, there is no evidence of major adjustments to 2023 talent strategies

Impact

Two themes are emerging around functional demand:

An emphasis on Portfolio Management. Clients are “re-purposing” investment professionals into asset management, increasing analytical rigor of asset management and allowing investment professionals to apply skills in a new way, while more directly exposing asset managers to these individuals for collaborative learning across functions

Nearly 70% of global leaders are concerned about the availability of key talent, creating higher demand for cross-functional skills¹

Portfolio Management roles are increasing in influence, positioning, and strategic input

Increase in using data analytics to optimize portfolios: This is generally a newly created role, particularly prevalent within private capital environments

2. Focus on Alternative Investments

Overview

Increasing attention to alternative asset classes such as manufactured and student housing, self-storage and single family residential.

Impact

We saw new fund launches in 2022 and expect this activity to continue into 2023, with over $250 billion in dry powder focused on the North American real estate market²
Infrastructure platforms embracing a cross-pollination of talent, in particular partnering with digital infrastructure and data center experts to capitalize on broader knowledge
Conversion of office and retail assets into other/more broad categories:

Historical office investors/owners seeking talent from mixed use, life sciences, health care and other asset categories in order to successfully re-position assets

Deep silo expertise is giving way to cross-asset class experience to support agility

3. Rise in Debt Funds

Overview

Clients who are focused on driving transaction activity, especially in an acquisition stagnant market, are creating or enhancing capabilities within debt funds

Impact

Repositioning assets with floating interest rates puts pressure on owners. Debt funds are stepping in, refortifying the capital stack
In 2022, six new firms launched debt funds. Globally, over 30% of private real estate debt funds were raised by the top five firms³
Three themes are developing around debt funds:

Given higher productions over the past two years, we have seen an increase in compensation for originations talent
Demand for gender and ethnic diversity in an already limited talent pool
Increased attention on recruiting leaders with equity expertise who are open to applying their experience in a debt fund

4. Emphasis on Succession & Development

Overview

Clients are assessing board composition and C-suite executives in light of changing business strategies, while investing in talent development at all levels to increase retention

Impact:

Investing in existing talent creates three competitive advantages:

Enhances stickiness of high-quality talent through a demonstrated commitment to development
Focuses leadership on development needs and skill gaps in the organization, especially relative to changing environments
Demonstrates to mid and junior-level talent an emphasis on career development; many of these individuals have not seen a downturn and are anxious about their futures, thus the commitment is reassuring