What do you do at MRG?
I have joined as a Director to spearhead our continued growth across Asia-Pacific. I will predominantly focus on the corporate real estate, advisory and fund management markets. We have a clear strategy for growth and high expectations for future expansion.
What are you most proud about that you have achieved in your career to date?
I have been very lucky to have had multiple moments in my career that have made me proud, but the ones I will always hold close to my heart are that my clients and candidates over 18 years, have become more than that, they have become amongst my closest friends. I continue to seek their counsel as much as they do mine, ensuring a level of relationships that make working in this industry an absolute pleasure. I have worked with some of the most prolific Fortune Five Hundred Companies, dealing with the head’s of giants like Wai-Mart, Goldman Sachs, Disney, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, FedEx, LVMH, Apple, Amazon, GE, Pfizer etc along with SML’s and Start up’s to help them map their future and watch them grow as a result of the people we have introduced them to.
How did you get into recruitment and why?
I actually walked in to a recruitment company in Hong Kong looking for a role in sales and I was very lucky in that they seemed to see some potential and asked me to go through the motions of their interview process; thankfully I made it and found the right team with the right management to help me grow and my passion for real estate and property recruitment grew from there.
What energises you about working in this sector?
This is a very interesting sector; not a day goes by where you don’t learn something new and having the chance to be involved from inception, from Greenfield sites and watch them develop in to luxury mixed use developments that often shape the skyline of any geography, and feel you were a part of that is amazing.
What is the biggest thing that’s changed in recruitment since you started?
I think that mobile technology, what’s app etc have become essential when communicating as it certainly makes things more convenient all round for candidates and clients. Additionally, as we continue to strive to be the best, the level of detail and research that we can now provide professionally and efficiently, is a league ahead of what it once was.
How did you get into recruitment in the Asia market?
I started in the Asia market and I haven’t looked back.
What do you think the biggest misconception people have about you is?
I am sure there are people that don’t quite realise the actual amount of work that we put into each individual assignment and might often think it comes easy. It doesn’t. It’s a lot of hard work, a lot of hours, maintaining relationships is not always easy but then if you make it look easy you must be doing something right!
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I collect old Coca Cola bottles from the early 1900’s. 600 and counting.
What’s the best advice anyone has anyone given you?
42.
What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
Live life laugh.
And finally, who would play you in the movie about your life?
Bob Harris
Get in touch with Chris Urban for an informal chat about how he can help you with your recruitment needs.