It’s a fair question, and one we welcome. SHREK firms (Spencer Stuart, Heidrick & Struggles, Russell Reynolds, Egon Zehnder, Korn Ferry) are global names with decades of brand recognition. But brand isn’t everything. What matters most is who will deliver your search and to a high quality.
Here’s the consistent truth:
Both Richmond Capital and a SHREK firm can connect you with senior leadership talent. Both will research the market, their networks, and use structured processes. Both can produce a shortlist.
Here’s the contrast:
• Focus vs. Scale
SHREK firms are global generalists. Richmond Capital is a specialist in real estate—developers, funds, consultancies—across the UK, GCC, and EMEA. Our network is sharper, sector-specific, and immediately relevant.
• Access vs. Off-Limits
Large firms often face “off-limits” restrictions due to client conflicts. Richmond Capital has fewer conflicts and broader access to talent pools in your space.
•Partnership vs. Process
At SHREK, you may be one of hundreds of concurrent searches. At Richmond Capital, every mandate is senior-led and partner-driven and they are actually running your search, not just a junior researcher. For us this leads to higher success and completion rates.
• Speed and Agility
Global firms can be process-heavy. We balance rigour with agility meaning faster market mapping, more engaged candidates, and shorter timelines without sacrificing quality. We also invoice based on milestones of the project not days passed.
• Sector Insight
We live and breathe real estate. Our conversations with candidates go deeper because we understand the assets, the capital flows, and the leadership challenges. That credibility matters in persuading top talent to move and mapping the market more effectively.
So why choose us?
If you want global brand prestige on your pitch deck, a SHREK firm could be the choice for you.
However if you want a specialist partner who knows your sector, has fewer conflicts, and will dedicate senior attention to getting the right outcome, Richmond Capital is the better choice.
