New RICS President

Details: Published on Friday, 03 July 2015 00:00; Written by BK

Speaking for the first time in his new role as RICS President, Martin J. Brühl FRICS emphasised the importance of sustainable business in driving prosperity, innovation and investment in global property markets. Martin delivered his inaugural speech in London today (30 June) as the 134th President of RICS.

Martin, who is the first continental European to take on the role, will focus on three key themes during his Presidency. As Head of Investment Management International at Union Investment Real Estate, sustainable investment and risk management play strongly to his expertise. Martin will also promote international standards, RICS project on the future of the sector and diversity and inclusion.

On sustainable investment, Martin said:
"Our sector needs to unite and ensure sustainability is fully considered across the whole lifecycle. Responsible action needs to become 'business as usual' within global real estate markets."

He also praised the leading role RICS has taken in a joint initiative with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). Last week, RICS and the UNGC launched a new resource that targets companies in the land, construction and real estate sector to do business more responsibly.

Martin went on to emphasise the growing importance of risk management. He said:
"RICS has an opportunity to lead thinking on the fiduciary duty of fund managers. Managing risk, in a world of historically low interest rates engineered by central banks, is a growing challenge."

Martin's background is in property investment. At Union Investment Real Estate, he oversees all property transactions outside the Eurozone, notably in the United Kingdom, the Americas and in the Asia-Pacific world region. He speaks English, German and French.