Savills IM creates regional CEO roles

The London-based firm has filled roles to lead the company’s expansion in Europe and Asia Pacific with in-house candidates.

Savills Investment Management (IM), the real estate investment management business of London-listed property services firm Savills, has made changes to its leadership structure and named two regional heads.

James Bury, currently chief operating officer at the firm, will become chief executive for Europe and Michael Flynn, who worked as managing director and head of South East Asia and Australia, will take on the role of chief executive in Asia Pacific. Both will report to Justin O'Connor, global chief executive for Savills IM.

In light of the changes, Carolina von Groddeck will become head of transactions in Europe and Gerhard Lehner has been promoted to head of fund management in Europe. The firm has also named Thomas Guetle and Axel Kraus as co-heads of its much expanded German business, following the acquisition of SEB Asset Management in 2015.

“Over recent years we have benefited from strong growth in Europe and Asia. With a well resourced and successful investment management platform across geographies and sectors, our investment offering to clients has expanded significantly,” commented O'Connor.

Earlier this month Savills IM appointed former Pradera executives Richard Gore and Neil Varnham as executive directors as part of the firm's continued expansion.