New EPRA chair pledges to support sector on recovery path

Jean-Pierre Hanin, chief executive of Belgium’s largest listed property company, Cofinimmo, has been appointed chair of the European Public Real Estate Association. Hanin, who takes over from Spanish REIT Colonial chief executive Pere Viñolas Serra, has been a member of the EPRA board for the past five years. He will serve as chair until 2026. Hanin said he plans to use his experience in the industry to support members and the industry on the path towards recovery, further promote sustainability and enhance the growth of the European listed real estate sector. “We are globally navigating through significant transformation and challenges within the real estate market,” said Hanin. “However, I firmly believe that this period also presents a unique opportunity in Europe to transform ourselves by building bridges with relevant industry stakeholders, growing our sector’s footprint, and setting new benchmarks for sustainability in our industry.” During Viñolas Serra’s two-year tenure as chair, EPRA said it had achieved a number of significant milestones including the broadening of investors in the industry, the promotion of sustainable investment practices and the adoption of new EPRA metrics.