Leadership Shake-Up: BNP Paribas, Conveyancing Association & Knight Frank

BNP Paribas Real Estate UK Appoints New Interim Chief Executive

BNP Paribas Real Estate UK has announced a significant leadership transition, with chief executive Mark England stepping down after nearly 40 years at the helm. The property consultancy has appointed Gary Higgins, managing director of subsidiary Strutt & Parker, as interim chief executive whilst the firm undertakes a wider leadership restructuring.

England, who has been a cornerstone of BNP Paribas Real Estate's UK operations, will remain with the business in a senior adviser role to support the transition process. Higgins brings substantial experience to the interim position, having spent 20 years at BNP Paribas before joining Strutt & Parker as managing director in April 2025.

Jean-Maxime Jouis, chief executive of BNP Paribas Real Estate, commented: "This structure brings together proven senior leadership, strong UK market experience, international expertise and excellent existing management talent. It gives the UK business continuity, stability and clear client focus while we continue to deliver against our strategic priorities."

The leadership changes form part of a broader restructuring aimed at ensuring an experienced management team leads the firm through its next phase of growth and market adaptation.

Conveyancing Association Leadership Change Announced

The Conveyancing Association (CA) has announced two significant board changes. Non-executive chair Nicky Heathcote will step down at the end of her second term, with Heathcote remaining in post until a successor is appointed to ensure continuity. Additionally, treasurer and founding board member David Hodgson is stepping down after 25 years of service.

During her tenure as chair, Heathcote introduced a new governance framework, developed a member-focused strategy, and represented the conveyancing sector during government consultations on improving the home buying and selling process. Following her departure from the chair role, Heathcote will continue contributing to the sector as chair of the PCCB Compliance Committee and as a member of the Women in Conveyancing Committee.

Heathcote stated: "Chairing the Conveyancing Association has given me the opportunity to work alongside our members and organisations across the wider property industry, all with a shared ambition to improve the home buying and selling process. It has been an honour to represent conveyancers and I am proud to have been part of such a collaborative community."

Eddie Goldsmith, on behalf of the CA, praised both departing leaders: "The board would like to thank Nicky for the leadership, commitment and direction she has provided to the Association. We would also like to thank David Hodgson for his outstanding contribution as Treasurer and his wider contribution during his 25 years with the Association."

Recruitment for both board positions is now underway.

Knight Frank Bolsters Planning Expertise with Strategic Hire

Knight Frank has appointed planning specialist David Churchill as a partner in its planning team, strengthening the firm's strategic land and development advisory services. Churchill joins with over 25 years' experience advising housebuilders, land promoters, institutional investors and landowners on planning and development matters.

Based at Knight Frank's Baker Street headquarters, Churchill will work across the firm's planning and land agency teams throughout the UK, focusing on strategic land opportunities including green belt, greenfield, urban extensions and garden communities. He will report to Chris Benham, head of planning for London.

Benham commented: "David joins us at a hugely important time for our industry. With planning reform high on the agenda and local authorities, developers and landowners adapting to a rapidly evolving policy environment, clients need clear, commercially focused advice more than ever. David's market standing and track record of securing major planning consents will strengthen our ability to provide high-quality strategic land advice."

Charlie Hart, head of development land at Knight Frank, added: "David's appointment is particularly exciting because it will enhance the way we work across our development land and rural asset management teams. With significant changes taking place in the planning system, including opportunities arising from green belt release, we will be well placed to identify opportunities, create value and deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients."

Churchill's appointment reflects the property sector's focus on navigating evolving planning regulations and identifying value creation opportunities in the current regulatory environment. Investors and developers seeking to understand planning application processes may find this moment particularly relevant as the planning landscape continues to shift.

Source: Property Industry Eye.