By Michelle Yelaska
Evolution of the Head of HR Role
Ferguson Partners analyzed 13 Head of HR job descriptions (2015 and 2025) from the commercial real estate industry, revealing a clear shift in how organizations define, position, and value senior people leadership.
| Theme | Then (2015) | Now (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Role mandate | Run the HR function effectively | Shape the organization to deliver strategy |
| Connection to business strategy | Supports business leaders and executes decisions | Co-authors business and growth strategy |
| Primary value delivered | Stability, compliance, risk mitigation | Performance, retention, enterprise value creation |
| Talent focus | Fill roles and manage performance cycles | Build future capabilities and leadership bench |
| Culture | Reinforce existing values and norms | Design, measure, and actively shape culture |
| HR systems & technology | HRIS as record-keeping infrastructure | People platforms as strategic tools |
| Executive posture | Trusted operator and counselor | Strategic peer and enterprise architect |
What Has Remained Constant:
- Enterprise accountability for people outcomes
- Ownership of compensation and benefits philosophy
- Leadership development and succession responsibility
- Employee relations and legal compliance
- Need for credibility, discretion, and judgment
While the evolution of the CHRO role in real estate over the past decade is both significant and encouraging, it is important to recognize that similar shifts occurred earlier in the 21st century across other industries. In sectors such as technology, financial services, and healthcare, CHROs have long operated as strategic partners, shaping business direction through talent strategy, culture, and organizational design. Real estate CHROs have made meaningful strides in recent years, moving beyond traditional administrative functions toward a more strategic mandate. Viewed in a broader, cross-industry context, this progress represents not an endpoint but a phase in a longer trajectory; one that offers valuable lessons and a clearer view of what lies ahead as the function continues to mature.