Property people: AEW’s Brown takes chair & more

THE North West branch of Women in Property (WiP) has announced its new branch chairman.

Kat Brown of Manchester-based AEW Architects has taken up the role for one year.

Brown, who has been a member of WiP for six years, is marketing manager for AEW, an architectural practice, whose core sectors include industrial, retail, sport, commercial and accommodation.

She said: “Women in Property has been supporting women working in the property and construction sector for nearly 30 years, promoting networking, mentoring and professional development. Over this time the diversity agenda has really come to the fore, with employers beginning to understand the benefits that come from bringing together a mixed team, encouraged by national initiatives.

“WiP is a great advocate of this and works hard to help senior management address diversity issues and less experienced members realise their potential.

“The North West branch is currently focusing on ensuring that it provides a business focused platform for its members.  All the time, we are creating opportunities for individuals to foster new relationships with other professionals in the progressive regional market.”

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CUSHMAN & Wakefield  has boosted its UK valuation and advisory team with the hires of associates Gareth Wilson and Russell Hefferan from DTZ.

Based in the Manchester office, the pair are taking up their new roles in May.

Wilson and Hefferan have worked together in DTZ’s Manchester office since 2006, specialising in valuing commercial property across the region for clients  including banks, institutional funds, national and regional property companies, local authorities and landowners. 

Cushman & Wakefield’s head of UK V&A, David Lusher, said: “This is an excellent move for us. Gareth and Russell are talented professionals and incredibly well regarded on a local and national level by clients and peers alike.  Our UK business is growing rapidly and we have ambitious plans for further growth.  With Gareth and Russell joining the team we are well set to further increase our market share.”

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ESTATE agency boss Michael Groves has been appointed as chief executive for the North and Midlands of Lomond Capital, the Edinburgh-based private equity backed property management company.

Lomond took a majority stake in Groves’ Thornley Groves estate agency chain in 2013 as part of its Manchester expansion plans.

Groves is now targeting acquisition opportunities in Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Nottingham.