RICS has appointed Justin Young as its new chief executive officer.

Young, who most recently held the role of chief operating officer at Knight Frank, will be tasked with leading the transformation of RICS following several difficult years for the institution and two damning independent reviews into its conduct.

He will replace Richard Collins, who was appointed interim CEO back in October 2021 following the reforms recommended by the Levitt report.

Young was appointed by the governing council to continue to lead the transformation of RICS, including delivery of an excellent experience for staff, members, and stakeholders. He has an extensive background in operational management and business transformation programmes, including those focussed on customer experience.

Young, who has spent the past 25 years working within the real estate and professional services sector, has global experience that includes working and living in South-East Asia, Europe and the UK.

Young has a keen interest in promoting diversity in real estate, and he has driven business balance initiatives across gender, race and faith, LGBTQ+; health and wellbeing, and has been involved with the cross sector ‘Changing the Face of Property’ initiative.

Young said: “The opportunity to lead an organisation whose work is pivotal to the public interest, to a huge body of professionals, millions of clients and a host of decision makers globally is truly unique.”