Nathan Kearney, Managing Director of Executive Search. Image Courtesy: Executive Search
Demand for experienced executive leadership continues to remain resilient
Press Release
Dubai, UAE – Despite recent regional uncertainty and a moderation in average salary expectations across parts of Dubai’s real estate sector, demand for experienced executive leadership continues to remain resilient.
Executive Search has recently advised on the successful appointment of a Chief Executive Officer for a medium-sized brokerage based in Dubai Marina, with the successful candidate securing a remuneration package of AED 250,000 per month.
The appointment highlights an emerging trend across the market, where companies are becoming increasingly selective in their hiring strategies. Rather than expanding headcount aggressively, many businesses are focusing investment on proven leaders capable of improving profitability, driving operational performance and delivering long-term sustainable growth.
Nathan Kearney, Managing Director of Executive Search, said:
“There’s no doubt the market has become more measured over recent months. Regional events have understandably created a degree of caution, while the rapid salary inflation seen over the past few years has naturally begun to stabilise.
However, that shouldn’t be mistaken for a lack of confidence. What we’re seeing is a more mature market, where businesses are making deliberate investments in leadership rather than simply increasing headcount. Exceptional executives continue to command exceptional compensation because of the value they bring to an organisation.”
The executive search was led by Nathan Kearney alongside Matthew Lee, Associate Director, following a confidential search process focused on identifying leaders with a proven track record of scaling brokerage operations, building high-performing teams and delivering sustained commercial success.
According to Executive Search, executive recruitment has evolved significantly over the past 12 months. Boards and business owners are placing greater emphasis on leadership capability, organisational design, succession planning and long-term commercial outcomes, with executive appointments increasingly viewed as strategic business decisions rather than transactional hires.
Matthew Lee, Associate Director at Executive Search, added:
“The conversations we’re having with business owners are changing. Recruitment is no longer simply about filling vacancies; it’s about identifying leaders who can shape the direction of a business over the next five to ten years.
Companies are taking a far more strategic approach to executive hiring, and we’re continuing to see strong demand for individuals with the right commercial experience and leadership credentials.”
While average salaries have softened across a number of operational and sales positions, Executive Search says remuneration at executive level continues to reflect the commercial impact expected from senior leadership appointments.
The firm believes this is indicative of the continued maturation of Dubai’s real estate industry, where hiring decisions are becoming increasingly aligned with business performance, long-term growth strategies and organisational resilience.
As the market continues to evolve, Executive Search expects businesses to remain selective, prioritising leadership appointments that strengthen operational performance, improve profitability and position organisations for future growth opportunities.
About Executive Search
Executive Search is a Dubai-based executive recruitment and advisory firm specialising in the real estate sector across the UAE. The firm partners with brokerages, developers and property businesses on executive search, leadership hiring, market intelligence and strategic talent advisory, supporting organisations as they navigate an increasingly competitive and evolving market.
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