Martin Samworth Named as New Chair of RICS Board

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13 December 2022

RICS has announced that its new Board Chair will be Martin Samworth FRICS.

The establishment of this new RICS Board is one of the key recommendations from June 2022’s Bichard RICS Review.

The majority-member board will oversee day-to-day operations at RICS, delivering and executing the strategic plan on behalf of Governing Council. The RICS Board will meet every two months or more frequently if the Chair thinks that is necessary.

Martin Samworth has been appointed after a selection process for a three-year term, renewable for one further term.

Who is Martin Samworth?

Martin has worked in the industry for 40 years, working in the UK and in broad international roles. He has worked with real estate developers, investors and occupiers, and has leadership and management experience on both the markets side of the industry and the professional and advisory side – including valuations, property management, FM and construction.

Martin started his real estate career at CBRE as a graduate and assistant surveyor in investment, before qualifying as a chartered surveyor.  While working at CBRE until 2020, Martin held positions including Head of Investment and Managing Director of Commercial Markets, Managing Director of the UK business, and CEO and then Chairman of CBRE’s Advisory Business across APAC and EMEA.

Following his retirement from CBRE at the end of 2020, Martin has taken up a small number of Chair and NED roles in Proptech, Exec Search, and property investment and development companies. He also sits on the advisory council for Real Estate Balance Limited (REBL), the real estate member body campaigning for diversity and inclusion.

Martin Samworth FRICS commented: “RICS is a broadly based Institution that must be forward thinking with a clear identity and an authoritative voice.  It should be bold and passionate, ambitious and challenging, and must speak out positively to influence the issues that matter. I have always loved being involved in something that touches everyone’s lives, as property does.

“I have been a proud member of RICS for some 35 years, and have always regarded it as an honour and privilege.  It is my aim to make sure that our membership feel the same, and to facilitate an engaged and rewarded profession who gain as much from us as we do from them.  Our professionals and their expertise are our best ambassadors.”

“As a strong advocate for change and evolution I believe passionately that this role has the potential to make a significant difference and positive impact on both the profession and its standing in both the built environment and the wider business world.  I’m excited to have the opportunity to build our influence with stakeholders and to work with the wider industry in attracting a new and dynamic generation of young professionals.”

Harriet Kemp, Chair of the Appointments Panel and Co-Chair of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, added: "I look forward to working with Martin as he takes up the role of Chair of the RICS Board. Martin's industry experience across locations and cultures, alongside his strong global connections, make him an excellent appointment to this critical role.

“We were inspired by his passion for an industry he has dedicated his entire career to,  and are confident that he will be a key figure in delivering our transformative vision. We are confident that Martin will seize this opportunity to push forward and lead from the front on the issues that matter - such as climate change and sustainability, data and tech, diversity and inclusion and the future skills needed.”

Picture: a photograph of Martin Samworth. Image Credit: RICS

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 13 December 2022

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