Investment manager BlackRock has expanded its real estate team with the appointment of Mark Long as director of research.
Based in London, Long will oversee research, strategy and analytics for the £2.1bn BlackRock UK Property Fund, which invests in diversified UK commercial property assets, as well as other real estate accounts managed within the EMEA region.
Over his 20-year career, Long has held roles at Invista, Aberdeen Asset Management and Investment Property Databank. He is a member of the Society of Property Researchers and the Investment Property Forum.
The appointment come just one month after the fund manager poached Justin Brown from rival UBS to work as a director for the same vehicle.
Marcus Sperber, head of BlackRock’s international real estate business, said: “Mark will be instrumental in providing innovative real estate research and thought leadership to both BlackRock’s investment team and clients alike.
“He is a terrific addition to the business and with his impressive 20 years of experience in the field, Mark’s research contributions will be integral to the formation of investment strategy, geared towards adding further value across BlackRock’s real estate portfolios.”
bridget.o’connell@estatesgazette.com
