Celebrating our RREF Network - September
After graduating from the University of Reading in 1995, Chris trained at DTZ in London (now Cushman & Wakefield), qualifying as a member of the RICS. He began his career in a team advising German open-ended Funds on acquisitions in central London. In 1999 Chris moved to JLL in the pan-European capital markets Team and was seconded to Brussels for 12 months before transferring to the JLL Paris office for 5 years in 2000. Chris returned to the UK in 2005, becoming an International Director of JLL in 2007 and heading the pan-European office and logistics sectors.
In 2017 Chris set up and co-led a global capital markets Client programme and in 2020 he became sector head for European Office capital markets. Chris is currently a member of JLL’s Global Office Capital Markets Board and on the European Extended Executive Committee. Chris has >30 years of pan-European office Capital Markets experience and a significant track record in office transactions spanning more than 15 European markets and multiple $1bn+ trades.
Chris has deep, long-established knowledge of Europe’s Office markets and strong relationships with the main investor groups. Chris works closely with JLL’s International Capital Coverage Team, sourcing global capital for major European office transactions and JLL’s European Debt team.
What do you love about working in the industry?
The real joy is the people I get to work with and meet in the industry. I continue to work extensively across Europe and have met literally thousands of people, each with a fresh take on the real estate sector. The industry is so full of personalities, high energy talent and teams with entrepreneurial mindsets and drive. I am fortunate to work alongside people who build businesses, develop complex and interesting buildings, raise funds and have extensive expertise. Added to this is the variety of my role: working with clients and colleagues across all European office markets on transactions whilst regularly visiting and getting to know each city. Every day is different; every deal had its’ own personality and each deal team its’ own modus operandi. And to those aspects I would add the backdrop of a constantly evolving market cycle; working with clients navigating the good times, financial crises, fluctuating interest rates, changing regulations, varied equity flows, geopolitics, global pandemics, booms, busts and so much more. It’s never dull!
What do you see as some of the key challenges ahead?
There will always be challenges to contend with, so be sure to assume that throughout your career. Some you can anticipate already whereas others will turn up from the least likely source when you least expect – that is perhaps the only certainty! As an example I took up the role of EMEA office capital markets sector Lead at JLL in March 2020 – literally on the exact day that all JLL employees started working from home due to the covid pandemic!
The major challenges we do know about today include the environment. Climate change and sustainability issues impact us all. The real estate industry is of course a key part of the challenge, but has already done a lot towards becoming part of a solution and it is very rewarding to see first-hand some of the amazing work and innovative solutions being implemented. We can all make a difference.
A second industry challenge is enabling broad diversity and inclusion in real estate. During my career a great deal has been achieved yet there is still so much more to do, starting with attracting diversified talent, which is why RREF initiatives such as Pathways to Property remain vital.
If you could offer some words of wisdom to the students about to graduate from a Real Estate & Planning programme, what would they be?
From my own experience I would suggest not to specialise too early. Stay curious and inquisitive, explore different industry areas and ask people about their areas of specialism. And do ask people for their insight, I expect that you will always find senior industry figures willing to help out.
Secondly, build a network of industry relationships and mentors. Show up in person, get out of the office and away from your desk as much as you are able and enjoy getting to know new people. As part of that, work on your storytelling, have fun and listen to others, bearing in mind that often the least outspoken person may be the most interesting.
Thirdly, ride your luck. When you experience good luck enjoy it, but appreciate that your success was in part good fortune. Equally, when you experience bad luck don’t take it too personally, it is very much part of the journey for us all. But position yourself for good luck by taking a few measured risks early on – I know I did and I will always be glad of it.
…And for additional wisdom listen to the song “Sunscreen” by Baz Luhrmann ! Written for the Class of ’99, but I think still relevant today. You’re welcome.
I wish you all the best in this great real estate industry and maybe I will meet some of you in the near future.
