AEW Europe reveals new chief executive

AEW Europe, the pan European real estate investment manager, has picked its chief investment officer Rob Wilkinson to become its new chief executive.

The Paris-based firm, which is owned by two French banks and manages €18 billion of assets in the region, said in a short statement that Wilkinson would succeed Delaire having been promoted to chief investment officer in 2011 from a position of head of fund management and separate accounts.

Prior to joining AEW Europe in 2009, Wilkinson had stints at Australia's Goodman Group, UBS Investment Banking and German lender, Eurohypo.

Current head, Delaire, is moving to become head of real estate at Italian insurer, Generali, to replace Giancarlo Scotti as Italian press has previously reported in February this year.

Jeffrey Furber, chairman of AEW Europe, said the position had been offered to Wilkinson in a move that ensured continuity.

He added Wilkinson had been instrumental in growing the business over the last five years and expanding the company's investor base.

Wilkinson’s first day in the new role was yesterday.

Wilkinson said AEW Europe was well placed to take advantage of opportunities in current markets.

The company also announced that Jean Lavielle had been promoted to directeur general delegue of AEW Europe until January next year when he will become senior advisor as the company has previously announced.

See this month's issue of PERE where Delaire outlines AEW Europe's strategy in its domestic market in the PERE France Roundtable.