Cushman & Wakefield, the world’s largest privately held commercial real estate services firm, today announced that Digby Flower, Partner and Head of London Markets, has been appointed UK Chief Executive. In a further move, Cushman & Wakefield announced that is has appointed Rupert Dodson, Partner and Head of EMEA Valuation & Advisory, as Chairman of the UK. Both roles will take effect from 1st January 2014.
This succession plan will see Bryan Laxton, Cushman & Wakefield’s UK Chief Executive since 1st January 2009, step down from his current position to focus on a full time client facing role as Head of the EMEA Client Programme.
Digby Flower joined Cushman & Wakefield as Head of London Markets in July 2012. He is a member of the firm’s UK Board and will join the EMEA Management Board. Over the past 12 months, Digby has led the successful transformation of the firm’s London Markets team into a leading top tier adviser in London. Digby will continue to lead the London Markets team alongside his new role as UK Chief Executive. Prior to Cushman & Wakefield, Digby Flower spent 17 years at CBRE where he was a senior member of its London Board and advised on several of the Capital’s most significant office agency transactions.
Rupert Dodson, who has been a member of the UK Board since 2003, will become Chairman of the UK. Rupert who also serves on the firm’s EMEA Management Board, will continue to head the firm’s Valuation & Advisory group in EMEA which under his leadership, has achieved significant growth over the past five years.
Carlo Barel di Sant’Albano, Executive Chairman of Cushman & Wakefield, said: “As Bryan takes on a new client facing role after a five year tenure as UK CEO, we thank him for the significant contribution he has made to the firm during what were some of the most challenging times for our industry. Our UK business is performing strongly and the timing is right for us to change gear and to drive a new phase of growth. Digby and Rupert will bring proven leadership skills and vast experience to their respective roles and together with the UK Board, will drive high performance across the UK business and ensure that we deliver the best in class services for our clients.”