CBRE recruits former UKGBC chief
Former UK Green Building Council chief executive Julie Hirigoyen has joined CBRE as special adviser to its UK sustainability and ESG consultancy team.
Hirigoyen will work closely with Kaela Fenn-Smith, managing director of sustainability and ESG consultancy at CBRE. The team staffs more than 100 people.
In her new role as special advisor on sustainability, Hirigoyen will focus on anticipating emerging trends and priorities for real estate owners, occupiers and investors in the medium- to long-term.
Former UK Green Building Council chief executive Julie Hirigoyen has joined CBRE as special adviser to its UK sustainability and ESG consultancy team.
Hirigoyen will work closely with Kaela Fenn-Smith, managing director of sustainability and ESG consultancy at CBRE. The team staffs more than 100 people.
In her new role as special advisor on sustainability, Hirigoyen will focus on anticipating emerging trends and priorities for real estate owners, occupiers and investors in the medium- to long-term.
CBRE said Hirigoyen will bolster its capacity to amplify the sustainability ambitions and performances of investors and occupiers, and help accelerate the industry’s transformation.
Hirigoyen stepped down from her post at UKGBC earlier this year after eight years. She was succeeded by Smith Mordak.
Hirigoyen’s has 25 years of experience in sustainability across the property and construction sectors, including more than seven years at JLL, latterly as UK head of sustainability.
She is also a strategic sustainability advisor to a range of organisations and initiatives alongside non-executive directorships and charity roles.
Fenn-Smith said: “The real estate industry is experiencing significant disruption and clients are having to navigate a complex and fast-changing environment. The traditional approach to investment strategies is now under such scrutiny because ESG and net-zero requirements will fundamentally affect performance in the future.
“Having pioneered sustainability in property and construction over the last 25 years, Julie brings a wealth of experience and rich diversity of thought to CBRE, enhancing our ability to advise clients on how to navigate future challenges and opportunities.
“She’s an inspiring advocate for sustainability and a leader with the ability to translate what is coming into tangible actions for the here and now.”
Hirigoyen said: “Not only do businesses today need a sophisticated response to the host of sustainability demands upon them, but they also need to proactively change their business models to deliver positive social and environmental outcomes long into the future.
“Government regulation lags behind industry practice and simply is not fit for purpose, so tomorrow’s companies need to move way beyond compliance.”
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Photo © CBRE/Meaningful
