​The Challenge

​Hollis, a leading independent real estate consultancy, required interim leadership within their marketing and communications function. Following the start of a significant new phase for the business with a refreshed management board and newly appointed CEO in 2024, the company sought an experienced senior marketing communications professional who could step in immediately and bring both strategic and operational clarity to support Hollis' drive for sustainable, profitable growth.

The ideal candidate needed to support and advise the senior leadership team, work seamlessly across the marketing, communications and bids function and build relationships with teams of surveyors, engineers, ESG consultants, and project managers, to communicate a clear narrative aligned with Hollis’ evolving brand and employee-owned culture. With their hallmark of quality and Europe-wide reach, Hollis required someone who could quickly understand their business model and deliver high-impact internal and external communications.

Our Approach

Comms Search & Selection partnered with Hollis to deliver a fast yet thorough solution that reflected the seniority and nuance of the role:

1. Rapid Talent Deployment – We drew upon our curated network of senior interim marketing communications professionals to identify individuals with a track record of success in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

2. Real Estate and Leadership Fit – With Hollis operating across the full property lifecycle, it was essential to find a candidate with not only marketing and communications expertise, but also the credibility to engage with a diverse, expert-led team and support the business as it moved into a new era of leadership.

Through focused outreach and a streamlined assessment process, we identified Abi Goldsbrough — a marketing and communications leader with an impressive track record for companies including Hammerson, JLL and IHG — who was able to join Hollis and make an immediate impact.

The Outcome

Abi stepped into the Interim Marketing Communications Director role with clarity and energy, quickly building trust across the leadership team and bringing structure to the function. Her experience allowed her to support internal teams while advising on external messaging and the refinement of the Hollis brand as the business entered a new chapter.

Abi’s appointment ensured continuity at a critical time, providing leadership, confidence, and strategic direction without delay.​

Testimonials

“I worked with Max Forsyth and the team at Comms Search & Selection to secure a role as interim marketing director in the real estate industry. Things moved quickly and I appreciated Max’s clear and honest communication, a genuinely personal approach throughout the recruitment journey, and the firm’s expertise in the in-house comms space. I arrived into a role where the client has clearly outlined what good looks like, and how I can support my team to succeed. I can recommend the firm to both candidates and clients!”
Abi Goldsbrough, Interim Marketing Communications Director, Hollis

“We worked with Comms Search via a referral we received and I’m pleased to say they proved to be an excellent partner for Hollis. We needed a fast solution for a senior level hire and their understanding of our brief, the candidates provided, interview preparation and responsiveness, ensured a thorough but efficient resolution.”
Melanie Olrik, Chief People Officer, Hollis

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