Executive Search Case Study: Chief Development Officer placement for a major Saudi development project

Client Overview

A confidential mega-project in Saudi Arabia focused on luxury coastal hospitality and tourism development, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. The project encompasses the development of new cities and represents a significant investment in the kingdom's future.

The Challenge

The client, a long-standing partner of five years, needed to fill the crucial position of Chief Development Officer.

The role demanded exceptional leadership for a multi-billion-dollar development encompassing:

• Luxury hospitality assets

• Tourism infrastructure

• Entertainment facilities

• Residential developments

• Commercial properties

The complexity of the role required a unique blend of skills and experience that few executives globally could offer. The successful candidate would need to demonstrate not only technical expertise in large-scale development but also the strategic vision necessary to succeed in Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving business landscape.

Project Requirements

Given the project's significance to Saudi Vision 2030, the role also required someone who could align development strategies with national objectives while maintaining world-class standards in execution and delivery.

The search required a candidate with proven experience in:

• Managing mega-projects with diverse asset classes

• High-value development oversight

• Strategic leadership in large-scale hospitality and tourism projects

• Complex stakeholder management

Our Approach

Leadership

The project was led by Tom Brooks, Director and Country Lead for Saudi Arabia at Hintel (deverellsmith group). With over 15 years of GCC experience and deep expertise in tourism, hospitality, and mixed-use developments, Tom brought valuable insights to the search process.

Methodology

The team implemented a comprehensive executive search strategy:

1) Talent Mapping

• Deployed advanced online and offline candidate identification methods

• Conducted extensive market analysis

• Engaged both active and passive candidates

• Performed detailed competitor analysis

  
  

2) Consultative Process

• Conducted in-person meetings with key stakeholders

• Deep-dive into organisational culture and success parameters

• Implemented rigorous pre-interview screening

• Administered comprehensive psychometric testing as per client requirements

3) Executive Search Framework

• Utilised a retained search model

• Employed a dedicated research team of two senior professionals

• Conducted global talent outreach

• Maintained strict confidentiality throughout the process

Results

The search concluded successfully with impressive metrics:

• 100% conversion rate from shortlist to interview

• 8-week completion timeline from initiation to offer

• Successful placement of an ideal candidate matching all critical requirements

  
  

Key Success Factors

The success of this search can be attributed to several critical factors. The long-standing client relationship provided an invaluable foundation, enabling deep understanding of organisational needs and culture. The team's comprehensive global search capability ensured access to the best talent worldwide, while the rigorous candidate assessment process guaranteed only the most suitable candidates were presented.

Strategic market mapping and competitor analysis provided crucial insights that informed the search strategy. Finally, efficient project management and execution ensured all stakeholders remained aligned throughout the process, leading to a successful placement that satisfied all parties involved.

This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of a well-structured executive search process in filling critical leadership positions for transformational projects in Saudi Arabia. It highlights the importance of combining local market knowledge with global reach, and the value of a thorough, methodical approach to executive search in complex, high-stakes situations.