BNP Paribas Real Estate UK chief to step down
BNP Paribas Real Estate UK chief executive Mark England is stepping down after almost 40 years with the business.
The company has appointed Gary Higgins, managing director of subsidiary Strutt & Parker, as interim chief executive while it undertakes a wider leadership restructuring.
England will remain with the business as a senior adviser during the transition.
Higgins was selected to lead the business on an interim basis, having spent 20 years with BNP Paribas before joining Strutt & Parker as managing director in April 2025.
The firm said the leadership changes are intended to ensure an experienced management team is in place while the restructuring is completed.
Jean-Maxime Jouis, chief executive of BNP Paribas Real Estate, said, “This structure brings together proven senior leadership, strong UK market experience, international expertise and excellent existing management talent.
“It gives the UK business continuity, stability and clear client focus while we continue to deliver against our strategic priorities.”
Conveyancing Association chair to step down
The Conveyancing Association (CA) has announced that its non-executive chair, Nicky Heathcote, will step down at the end of her second term.
Heathcote will remain in the role until a successor has been appointed to ensure an orderly handover and continuity across the association’s work.
During her time as chair, the CA introduced a new governance framework, developed a member-focused strategy and represented the conveyancing sector during a series of government consultations and industry initiatives aimed at improving the home buying and selling process.
Following the appointment of a new chair, Heathcote will continue her involvement in the sector as chair of the PCCB Compliance Committee and as a member of the Women in Conveyancing Committee.
The association also confirmed that treasurer and founding board member David Hodgson is stepping down. Recruitment for both board positions is now underway.
Heathcote said: “Chairing the Conveyancing Association has given me the opportunity to work alongside our members and organisations across the wider property industry, all with a shared ambition to improve the home buying and selling process. During that time, we have strengthened the Association’s governance, developed a strategy that puts members at the heart of everything we do and ensured the profession has had a strong voice across Government consultations and industry reform.
“It has been an honour to represent conveyancers and I am proud to have been part of such a collaborative community. While I will be stepping down as chair, I remain fully committed to the sector through my wider industry roles and look forward to continuing to support the association during the transition to a new Chair.”
Eddie Goldsmith, on behalf of the CA, commented: “The board would like to thank Nicky for the leadership, commitment and direction she has provided to the Association. Under her tenure, the CA has strengthened its governance and continued to ensure the views of conveyancing professionals are represented across Government, industry and regulatory discussions.
“Nicky has played an important role in strengthening collaboration across the property industry, helping ensure the CA continues to be at the centre of issues affecting conveyancers, consumers and the wider housing market.
“We would also like to thank David Hodgson for his outstanding contribution as Treasurer, managing the CA not for profit books and his wider contribution during his 25 years with the Association. He has done an incredible job. The process of appointing their successors is now underway.”
Knight Frank hires David Churchill to bolster planning and strategic land offering
Knight Frank has appointed planning specialist David Churchill as a partner in its planning team, strengthening the firm’s strategic land and development advisory services.
Churchill joins with more than 25 years’ experience advising housebuilders, land promoters, institutional investors and landowners on planning and development projects.
Based at Knight Frank’s Baker Street headquarters, he will work with the firm’s planning and land agency teams across the UK, focusing on strategic land opportunities, including green belt, greenfield, urban extensions and garden communities.
Churchill will report to Chris Benham, head of planning, London.
Chris Benham, head of planning, London at Knight Frank, said: “David joins us at a hugely important time for our industry. With planning reform high on the agenda and local authorities, developers and landowners adapting to a rapidly evolving policy environment, clients need clear, commercially focused advice more than ever.
“David’s market standing and track record of securing major planning consents will strengthen our ability to provide high-quality strategic land advice at a time of significant change across the sector.”
Charlie Hart, head of development land at Knight Frank, added: “He’s [Benham] highly regarded across the industry, and his planning expertise will be a tremendous asset to both our team and our clients.
“David’s appointment is particularly exciting because it will also enhance the way we work across our development land and rural asset management teams. With significant changes taking place in the planning system, including opportunities arising from green belt release, we will be well placed to identify opportunities, create value and deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.”
