Head of Global Real Estate

The Head of Global Real Estate is responsible for defining and executing the organization’s global real estate strategy across a complex international footprint, including offices and convening spaces in Switzerland, the United States, China, India, and Japan. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the role serves as the principal advisor to the Managing Board on real estate matters and is accountable for enterprise real estate strategy, portfolio governance, capital allocation, major transactions, and long-term footprint planning. Operational delivery, workplace services, and facilities management are led by the Head of General Services, with whom the role works in close partnership to ensure effective implementation of strategic priorities. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Board Advisory • Act as the principal advisor to the CFO and Managing Board on real estate strategy, investments, portfolio performance, and long-term footprint planning. • Develop and present real estate strategies aligned with organizational priorities, growth ambitions, and financial objectives. • Assess and recommend geographic footprint strategies, including expansion, consolidation, relocation, and investment priorities. • Provide recommendations on market entry and exit, ownership structures, capital deployment, and portfolio optimization. • Lead scenario planning for the evolution of the global footprint, considering geopolitical, economic, regulatory, and workplace trends.2. Global Portfolio Management • Oversee a global real estate portfolio valued at approximately $100M+ across Switzerland, the United States, China, India, and Japan. • Drive portfolio performance, utilization, cost effectiveness, and long-term value creation. • Oversee portfolio planning and capital requirements to ensure alignment with organizational priorities. • Leverage occupancy, utilization, and market intelligence data to support real estate decision-making. • Establish workplace strategy principles and design standards in partnership with the Head of General Services. Investment & Capital Allocation • Evaluate acquisitions, disposals, lease commitments, and investment opportunities across priority markets. • Develop business cases, financial analyses, and investment recommendations for major real estate decisions. • Lead negotiations for significant leases, acquisitions, disposals, and strategic partnerships. • Assess financial and market risks associated with investments and long-term portfolio commitments. Projects & Expansion • Define the strategic rationale and business case for major real estate initiatives, including headquarters expansion, office relocations, and development of convening and collaboration spaces. • Act as executive sponsor for major projects, ensuring effective governance, budget oversight, and stakeholder alignment. • Ensure projects support organizational objectives, convening requirements, and future workplace needs. • Partner with the Head of General Services to ensure successful delivery, operational readiness, and transition into ongoing operations. Risk Management & Compliance • Establish and oversee the organization's real estate governance and risk management framework. • Identify and mitigate legal, financial, regulatory, operational, and geopolitical risks affecting the portfolio. • Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, governance standards, and organizational policies. • Develop contingency strategies to address market disruptions, geopolitical developments, and business continuity risks. Stakeholder & External Partner Management • Manage strategic relationships with landlords, developers, brokers, investors, architects, and external advisors. • Represent the organization in significant real estate negotiations and engagements with public authorities and key stakeholders. • Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Operations, Events, and General Services to align real estate decisions with business priorities. • Lead and develop a high-performing global real estate function. Candidate Profile • 15+ years in corporate real estate, investment, or portfolio management. • Proven experience managing complex international real estate portfolios. • Strong exposure to both Swiss and U.S. markets (essential). • Degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business, or related field. • Demonstrated ability to advise executive leadership and influence senior stakeholders on strategic real estate decisions • Experience leading complex, high-value transactions and projects. • Strategic thinking with strong financial acumen. • Strong negotiation and influencing skills. • Ability to operate effectively in a complex, high-pressure, and high-visibility environment. Why join us? Join an independent and impartial organization with over 55 years of connecting leaders to make sense of global challenges and move the world forward together.