BNP Paribas Real Estate and Strutt & Parker make research leadership appointments
BNP Paribas Real Estate and Strutt & Parker have announced senior research appointments, with Rebecca Shafran becoming head of commercial research at BNP Paribas Real Estate and Jason Beedell appointed head of residential and rural research at Strutt & Parker.
Shafran, who joined BNP Paribas Real Estate in 2019, has more than 20 years’ experience in real estate research and strategy. She has led research across alternative sectors including student accommodation, hotels, healthcare, care homes and retirement living.
Beedell has been with Strutt & Parker since 2016 and specialises in rural property, agriculture and land use policy. In his new role, he will lead the firm’s residential and rural research team.
Both will oversee their respective research functions, providing market analysis and strategic insight across the commercial, residential and rural property sectors.
Gary Higgins, managing director at Strutt & Parker, commented: “Jason is one of the most respected voices in the sector and has made an outstanding contribution to Strutt & Parker over many years. His deep understanding of policy and markets, combined with his ability to translate complex issues into practical insights for clients, makes him ideally placed to lead our residential and rural research function.”
Shafran said: “It is a privilege to take on this role at such an important time for the real estate sector. High-quality research and market intelligence have never been more valuable to clients as they navigate changing economic conditions, evolving occupier demands and new investment opportunities. I look forward to working with colleagues across the business to continue delivering market-leading insight and supporting our clients’ decision-making.”
Beedell added: “Research has an increasingly important role to play in helping clients understand the challenges and opportunities shaping the residential and rural property markets. I am delighted to be taking on this position and continuing to provide trusted analysis and thought leadership for our clients and the wider industry.”
Experienced estate agent promoted to senior GTH role
Greenslade Taylor Hunt (GTH) has promoted experienced estate agent Mark Chant to associate at its Yeovil office.
Chant has almost 30 years’ experience in the property sector and previously ran his own estate agency in Yeovil. In his new role, he will lead the office’s sales team while working alongside GTH’s wider branch network across Yeovil, Sherborne, Ilminster, Chard and Langport.
Commenting on his approach to estate agency, Chant said providing honest advice and good customer service remain central to helping clients navigate the sales process.
“I love valuing property and I know how important customer service is,” he said.
He will oversee the marketing and sale of properties across the local area, from first-time buyer homes to larger family properties.
Former LRG director joins Apo as managing director
Former LRG director Justine Edmonds has been appointed managing director of build-to-rent operator Apo as the company looks to expand its operational platform.
Edmonds, who spent several years leading LRG’s Living Markets strategy across single-family housing and multifamily portfolios, will join Apo on 10 August. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the UK residential property sector, advising institutional investors on capital deployment, operating models and the delivery of large-scale rental portfolios.
Apo, which was acquired by Broadsword Investment Management in 2024, currently operates more than 2,000 rental homes across five build-to-rent developments in London, Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester. The business is also seeking to grow its presence across the wider living sector, including build-to-rent, single-family housing, co-living and serviced apartments.
Dominic Sherry, operating partner at Broadsword Investment Management, commented: “Justine is a fantastic appointment and brings a wealth of experience to Apo. Her track record working with institutional investors and scaling operational platforms will be invaluable as we continue to expand our service offering and support clients across a broader range of living-sector assets.
“With such a strong leadership team in place, and with Justine now at the helm, Apo is exceptionally well positioned for its next period of growth, targeting additional operating and advisory opportunities, while continuing to deliver outstanding outcomes for residents, investors and development partners.”
Edmonds added: “There is significant opportunity for growth across the living sector as investors increasingly seek experienced partners who can combine operational excellence with strategic insight. Apo is perfectly placed to meet that demand through its expertise spanning investment advisory, finance, customer operations, safety and compliance, and development.”
