The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has appointed Justin Young as chief executive, where starting next month he will lead the global entity that establishes and enforces standards for valuing, operating and developing real estate.
The institution, known as RICS, said Young has an accomplished background in operational management and business improvement plans, including those focused on customer experience. It added that he has worked in the real estate and professional services sector over the past 25 years and has lived in Southeast Asia, Europe and the United Kingdom.
Young, who most recently was chief operating officer at Knight Frank, was appointed by the RICS Governing Council to "continue to lead the transformation of RICS, including delivery of an excellent experience" for its staff, members and stakeholders as the institution works to increase its presence in North America.
Young replaces Richard Collins, who was appointed interim CEO in October 2021 following recommended reforms of an independent review into the purpose, governance and strategy of RICS. The institution had already committed to implementing the 18 recommendations of an inquiry into events that took place in 2018-19 following an audit of RICS's finances, as well as a comprehensive review of the purpose and relevance of the institution.
Founded in 1868, RICS has 134,000 paying members and a RICS qualification as a surveyor takes four years and is essential for work as a surveyor or valuer. Within this membership, an estimated 10,000 members belong to the so-called Windsor Group of large real estate advisers, which often pay for staff's subscriptions.
RICS said among Young’s interests is the promotion of diversity in real estate, and he has driven Business Balance initiatives across gender, race and faith, LGBTQ+; health and well-being, and has been involved with the cross sector ‘Changing the Face of Property’ initiative.
Young, who served in the military, including commanding a tank troop in Operation Desert Storm in Iraq in the 1990s, has in his subsequent career in business established operations in new locations, something RICS said it will continue to strive to build on.
Young said in a statement that he seeks to drive further "strategic, cultural, and operational, change to RICS, providing the right environment in which members reap the benefits of thought leadership and influence, professional development, and unparalleled networks.
"Operational excellence and people focus have been central to the leadership roles I have had throughout my career, as have projects to improve not only the service being delivered to clients, but also the experience for staff," he added.
Martin Samworth, chair of RICS Board, said: “Justin is the ideal candidate for this role. As an established leader in real estate he understands our work and the scale of what we deliver in the built and natural environment" and has the needed leadership experience.
Ann Gray, the RICS president, said: “The complexity of the challenges we face have never been greater, but this is matched with a truly unique set of opportunities" for the industry.