Avison Young principal and former chief executive of GVA Gerry Hughes has been promoted to president, Europe, and will spearhead the firm’s ambitious European expansion programme.
Hughes will report directly to Avison Young chairman and chief executive Mark Rose. In his new role, Hughes will focus on developing and delivering Avison Young’s aggressive growth plans in continental Europe and Ireland.
“This is an exciting time for our business,” said Rose. “Our growth plan is strategic and long-term. We aim to amplify our operations through the recruitment of individuals and acquisition of teams and whole businesses, as well as continue to expand geographically.
“Our recent merger with GVA in the UK has given Avison Young an excellent gateway to develop our continental Europe platform. Now that the UK integration is nearly complete, this is the right time for Gerry to turn his leadership talents to the next stage of our ambitious expansion: Europe.”
In addition to the UK, Avison Young has European offices in Germany, Poland, Romania and eight other countries through the long-established GVA Worldwide platform. Avison Young plans to significantly expand its footprint across Europe as part of the firm’s strategy to move from its current standing as a C$1bn (£580m) turnover business to a C$2bn business in its next phase of growth.
“This is an opportunity that I have long looked forward to, to help build a market-leading real estate advisory platform across Europe,” said Hughes.
“What we have achieved at GVA over the last few years, combined with the partnership and business philosophy of Avison Young, provides the template for a European business with a real sense of social purpose, aligned with not only meeting the demands of clients, but helping them navigate a rapidly evolving marketplace.”
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