JLL appoints Guy Grainger as global head of sustainability services & ESG

JLL’s EMEA CEO Guy Grainger, based in London, will move into a new role as global head of sustainability services & ESG with effect from January 1, 2021.

The new senior role reflects the company’s ongoing strategic focus on expanding its already substantial sustainability services capabilities.

“JLL is committed to playing a leading role in shaping the future of real estate for a better world,” said JLL CEO, Christian Ulbrich. “Central to that purpose is using the breadth and strength of our global platform to partner with our clients in truly moving the needle on real estate carbon reduction and sustainability.”

He added: “We see this both as a massive growth opportunity and a primary corporate responsibility.  Guy Grainger is ideally qualified to lead this major strategic growth initiative, and we are delighted he has accepted the challenge.”

Grainger has led the EMEA region since June 2016, also serving as a member of JLL’s global executive board. Prior to that, he was CEO of the UK business between 2013 and 2016, having originally joined as a senior leader of the Churston Heard business acquired by JLL in 2008.

JLL’s carbon reduction and sustainability business already provides a full range of services from corporate and portfolio advice on targets, reporting and policies, through to the design, management and operation of sustainable buildings.

Earlier this year, the company announced ambitious new goals for its own operations including a science-based target for carbon reductions and a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions in its own buildings by 2030.

Grainger said: “Our strategy to decarbonize real estate through sustainability products can deliver ground-breaking results for clients, significantly improve the environment, and be tremendously inspiring for our people in the process.  I have greatly enjoyed the past eight years as CEO for the UK and then for the EMEA region.  I will now use that invaluable experience to help create a better world through our services.”

James Thornton to step down as CEO of Mayfair Capital

Mayfair Capital Investment Management Limited has announced that its co-founder, James Thornton, will be stepping down from his role as chief executive officer at the end of this year and that Giles King, current executive director and member of the UK executive board, will be assuming the role of CEO from 1 January 2021.

Thornton will remain with the firm as non-executive chairman of the business whilst also sitting on the firm’s UK executive board, investment risk and renumeration committees.

He will also continue to work on Mayfair Capital’s largest mandate, the Property Income Trust for Charities in support of the fund director and will be involved in a client relationship and new business role.

Thornton said: “The time is right for me to hand over executive responsibility for running the business. Succession has been a feature of our business planning and I am very confident in the new team.

“It is four years since we became part of Swiss Life Asset Managers and I have enjoyed managing the business through the transition into being part of a pan European business with a strong commitment and culture in sustainable real estate investment.

“Swiss Life Asset Managers have proved to be excellent owners of the business and assets under management have doubled to £1.84bn since we were acquired in 2016.

“Swiss Life Asset Managers have also shown a high degree of confidence in making capital available for co-investment so that we have been able to launch new UK and Pan European products. As part of our growth I am pleased that we have also been able to add new, diverse and exciting talent adding to what is already an excellent team.

“I look forward to remaining part of the business and supporting the new management team in continuing to deliver performance for our clients whilst growing the UK business into a larger part of Swiss Life Asset Managers.”

Giles King, who joined the UK executive board of Mayfair Capital in 2018 from Westmount Real Estate, was formerly head of investor relations EMEA for CBRE Global Investors and part of its four-strong EMEA executive committee.

He also ran the CBRE Global Investors UK Business between 2008 and 2011 and was a member of their Global Executive Committee from 2009 to 2011.

During his career, King has managed both UK discretionary and advisory pension fund mandates and run commingled UK value-add funds for a range of US and European institutional investors.

King commented: “I look forward to working with James in his new capacity and wish him all the best in his new role. James has done a fantastic job in establishing Mayfair Capital as a market leader in thematic and sustainable real estate investment and I, along with the rest of the Mayfair Capital team, remain committed to continuing the expansion of our business both here in the UK and internationally.”

Sigma appoints Niamh Waldron as ESG manager

Sigma, the PRS, residential development and urban regeneration specialist, has announced the appointment of Niamh Waldron as ESG manager.

Waldron will serve as the company’s primary point of contact for all ESG matters and, working with the board, will lead the ongoing formulation of the company’s policy and strategy in this area.

Her primary focus will be on the continuing formalisation, expansion and improvement of the Company’s existing ESG activities. Her role will also encompass all areas of ESG activity relating to The PRS REIT plc.

Niamh is an education professional with more than 30 years’ experience in management and leadership roles. She has high-level experience in policy-setting, review and development, with particular expertise in engaging with national reporting frameworks and regulatory bodies.

Graham Barnet, CEO of Sigma Capital Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome Niamh to Sigma. We are deeply committed to ensuring that Sigma delivers environmental and social good through its activities, and this appointment will allow us to further develop our goals both for Sigma and the PRS REIT.”