Justin Young

The decision was made by RICS’s Governing Council to drive further strategic, cultural and operational change within the organisation. Mr Young, previously the COO at Knight Frank, has a 25-year record in the real estate sector and has demonstrated leadership skills throughout his career.

Mr Young’s extensive experience spans not only real estate but also operational management and business transformation programmes, with a focus on enhancing customer experience. Having lived and worked in South-East Asia, Europe, and the UK, his global perspective has contributed to the success of various firms in international networks. He has also spent time in the military, including commanding a tank troop on ‘Operation Desert Storm’ in the 1990s.

He is expected to harness this experience as he navigates RICS’s expansion into new territories, fostering relationships across the built environment.

In addition to strategic business development, Mr Young is committed to promoting diversity within the sector. He has championed business balance initiatives across gender, race, faith, and LGBTQ+ lines, and has shown a commitment to health and wellbeing. His involvement with the cross-sector ‘Changing the Face of Property’ initiative demonstrates this dedication.

Mr Young said: “I am really pleased to have been appointed into the role of RICS CEO. The opportunity to lead an organisation whose work is pivotal to the public interest, to a huge body of professionals, millions of clients and a host of decision makers globally is truly unique.

“I feel highly energised by this opportunity 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.

He continued “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 working in those organisations.

“Success comes from creating the environment that enables all parts of an organisation to work together towards a common goal and I am really looking forward to playing my part in making sure RICS gives a world-class service, continues to drive trust and confidence through regulation and brings positive change to the built and natural environment”.

Martin Samworth

Martin Samworth, chair of RICS board, commented: “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 – but he also has the diversity of skills and leadership experience to continue RICS’ journey as we drive our sustainability and diversity agenda.

“Justin’s background in transforming teams and organisations is key to driving forward our agenda alongside our members and boards input and expertise. I look forward to working with him to achieve our strategic goals and to drive RICS transformation with staff and with members.”

Ann Gray, RICS president, added: “The complexity of the challenges we face have never been greater, but this is matched with a truly unique set of opportunities given the contribution of the profession and its great potential.

“Justin has the passion, commitment, skills and people focus to help us lead, influence, regulate and inspire the next generation of surveyors and built environment professionals and I am looking forward to working with him and his team as we continue to build on the great work of a great profession.”

Mr Young will replace Richard Collins, who was appointed interim CEO back in October 2021 following the reforms recommended by the Levitt report.