Colliers International has announced a leadership succession plan for its UK Valuation and Advisory Services Department. Russell Francis is to retire as head of its Valuation and Advisory Services Department in January 2020, and Sara Duncan has been appointed as his successor. Russell will retain an executive advisory role allowing him to focus on specific mandates and clients.
“Russell has demonstrated outstanding leadership over the past 25 years and I would like to thank him for his exemplary service,” said Tony Horrell, CEO of Colliers International UK & Ireland. “During his tenure he has driven significant growth and transformation of the Valuation and Advisory Services business. The team advise all major investors and lenders in the UK and globally”.
Russell set up Colliers Global Valuation Group to meet international client demand and was instrumental in establishing a team that is one of the most respected in the industry. He pioneered ‘Valuations Express’ a Colliers valuation technology solution for the advisory market.
“Following Russell’s decision to retire, I am pleased to announce Sara Duncan as his successor. Strategic succession planning is a high priority for Colliers to ensure ongoing stability for our clients and we look forward to Sara and the wider team building on Russell’s legacy.”
Sara joined Colliers in 2016 and has focused on operations, risk management and client engagement within the valuation business. Prior to this she held advisory, transactional and client-side roles across the UK and EMEA real estate market, working for GE Capital and Credit Suisse.
“I have witnessed the transformation of the valuation industry over the last 40 years and have been proud to be instrumental in its technological advancement,” said Russell
“The Colliers Valuation team has developed into one of the most respected in the market and I am confident that Sara and the team will build on this success.”
“Having worked closely with Sara since she joined Colliers, I congratulate her on her new role and I’m confident that under her leadership the Valuation & Advisory Services Department will continue to grow and prosper.”
Sara Duncan concluded: “It will be a huge privilege to lead our Valuation & Advisory Services Department – a market leading team representing clients from across the market. In my new role, I intend to build on the platform of profitable and resilient growth and underscore our leadership position in the sector.”