AEW Europe appoints Delaire chief executive

Christian Delair is joining from AXA Real Estate Investment Managers to replace François Pochard as the company continues to restructure.

AEW Europe has revealed that AXA Real Estate Investment Managers global head of fund management, Christian Delaire, will succeed François Pochard as chief executive officer.

Delaire, who is French, has been at AXA for 15 years most recently to head up the firm's fund management arm and leading a pan-European team of 80 professionals. He was also involved in the strategy and growth of the company.

Jeffrey Furber, AEW Europe chairman, said in a statement Delaire would help develop AEW’s global real estate platform.

The business has been restructured recently. Chief investment officer Ric Lewis stepped down to become an advisor to its opportunity funds earlier this year. It is understood that Pochard took the decision to leave his position toward the end of last year.