25 Sep 2020

The Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF) are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Non-Executive Director to their Board, Kevin Aitchison, CEO of Knight Frank Investment Management. Kevin has been a valuable and prominent member of AREF’s Management Committee for 10 years, and bring over 30 years’ experience in the UK real estate market to the role.

This is a pivotal time for real estate funds, with AREF’s board focussing on guiding the industry through the challenges of coronavirus and Brexit, while continuing to promote investment in real estate funds. 

Adrian Benedict, AREF Chairman, said, “We are delighted to welcome Kevin to the Board, and believe he will advance AREF’s agenda through collaboration with our other board members. We appreciate his continued work with AREF in this new role.”

Kevin Aitchison, CEO of Knight Frank: "AREF has really proven to be indispensable this year. It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to get even more closely involved with the valuable work they do on behalf of the industry. I have been particularly impressed by the vision and aspirations of the new chair and look forward to contributing to Board discussions as he steers the association through the next few years”. 

 

Kevin Aitchison

Kevin Aitchison

Managing Director- Equity Investments UK & Europe, Savills Investment Management

Kevin is Head of Equity Real Estate – UK and Continental Europe at Savills IM.

As head of the European business (excluding debt), Kevin is responsible for the day to day operations and ultimately for the delivery of Client target investment returns within appropriate risk adjusted parameters. He was formerly CEO of Knight Frank Investment Management and CEO at ING Real Estate prior to that.   

Kevin is a member of the Investment Property Forum and in 2021 was awarded an MBE for his many years of service to GB Wheelchair Rugby and disabled people.