Former Landsec head of commercial Kaela Fenn-Smith is joining gender diversity organisation Real Estate Balance as its first managing director.
Fenn-Smith, who worked at JLL and CBRE before spending seven years at Landsec, will look to grow membership and work with existing members to help property businesses meet their gender balance commitments.
Fenn-Smith described Real Estate Balance as a “unique organisation on an incredible mission, working to bring about a change in the corporate culture of our industry”.
She added: “I have spent 25 years in property and I’ve been passionate about diversity throughout my career.
“I look forward to supporting women in real estate by engaging with the men and women leaders to deliver real practical change, so aspiration and ambition are not only accepted but achievable.”
Fenn-Smith is also working with other organisations on diversity and inclusion but will spend three days a week with Real Estate Balance as it aims to fulfil its objective of seeing women represent 33% of the senior leadership positions in real estate by 2020 and, ultimately, 50%.
Real Estate Balance chair Vivienne King said: “Kaela’s appointment represents an important new chapter for Real Estate Balance.
“Until now, the organisation’s success has been down to its hard-working volunteers. With Kaela in post as managing director, we have an experienced senior resource to support our objectives for our future as a leading change agent for gender balance.”
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