Abrdn’s head of real assets named as new LandAid chair

The global head of real assets at abrdn is to become the new chair of LandAid, the property industry charity. Neil Slater replaces Rob Bould, who steps down after three years in post, and over 13 years as a trustee. Slater (pictured) takes up his new role on 1 April 2022, and the appointment is one of a number of changes to the board. Former Helical chief executive Mike Slade, who founded LandAid in 1986, is also retiring as a trustee but will remain life president. Current chair Rob Bould, Alistair Elliott of Knight Frank, David Erwin of Dunluce Property and Mark Reynolds of Mace Group have also stood down. They are succeeded by Gemma Kataky of Blackstone and EG director of market development Damian Wild, who becomes the new chair of the fundraising committee, also with effect from 1 April. Slater will work with LandAid chief executive Paul Morrish on delivering the charity’s new three-year strategy, which aims to provide 1,000 homes for young people currently facing homelessness, and help real estate deliver on the S of ESG. “One of the things that I am keen to stress to the industry as chair is the role that LandAid can play in helping businesses to deliver the social aspect of their ESG pledges,” said Slater. “Investing in meaningful ESG objectives is no longer a nice-to-have but increasingly both a moral and commercial imperative for businesses across the property industry. LandAid can play a key role in helping to achieve this.” Having joined the board of trustees in October, Argent Related chair David Partridge is leading the charity’s work on social investment. New regional chairs – Urban Splash’s Nathan Cornish in the North West and Glenn Howell Architects’ Daniel Mulligan in the Midlands – are also in place. Morrish said: “We are excited to welcome Neil to the role of chair of trustees for LandAid, and know he will bring fresh ideas for social investment and valuable experience from his work at abrdn to help LandAid deliver our new three-year strategy. “I would like to put on record my thanks to Alistair and David for all their help and support over the years, with special thanks to Rob for being such a brilliant chair for LandAid over the past three years; and, of course, very special thanks to our new life president, Mike Slade, without whom LandAid would never have existed, never have raised so much money from our industry and never have helped transform so many young lives.” To send feedback, e-mail newsdesk@eg.co.uk or tweet @EGPropertyNews