Amanda Clack becomes UCEM Chair Designate
Posted on: 26 November, 2019
CBRE Head of Strategic Advisory and former RICS President, Amanda Clack, will become UCEM Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Amanda, who has held a variety of high-profile roles within the Built Environment and was appointed to UCEM’s Board last year, will formally take over as Chair in January 2021.
Her appointment was approved at a Board meeting on Friday (22 November) where she was named Chair Designate with immediate effect as she prepares to step into the role as the current Chair, John Gellatly, completes his term of office.
Amanda commented: “I am honoured to be appointed Chair Designate ahead of becoming Chair next year as UCEM furthers its vision to be the Centre of Excellence for Built Environment Education.
“I have known UCEM for a long time through my roles at RICS and CBRE, and was delighted to join the Board last year, where I have been able to learn more and contribute to the next phase of the institution’s long-term roadmap.
“The new vision focuses on increasing UCEM’s impact and influence, and I feel that I will be able to increase the institution’s traction in both areas. There is a large focus on widening participation which is something I am truly passionate about, having recently co-written a book on promoting greater diversity and inclusion in real estate.
“It’s an exciting time for UCEM and I am relishing the opportunity to make a positive difference as UCEM embarks upon its second century.”
UCEM Principal, Ashley Wheaton, added: “I am delighted that Amanda will become our Chair of the Board of Trustees. In the short time that she has been on our Board, she has developed a detailed knowledge of the institution and contributed fantastic ideas, befitting of her excellent CV in the Built Environment.
“I know Amanda will do a fantastic job to promote UCEM and drive all that we do, building on the wonderful work John has done during a period of rapid and long-lasting change for the institution.”
John Gellatly will continue as Chair for the next 12 months as he steers Amanda through the handover process and carries on driving UCEM’s vision.
He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as UCEM Chair which has covered the institution gaining full independence, a landmark premises move, the opening of our APAC HQ and, of course, our centenary year.
“There has rarely been a dull moment since joining the team and I am hugely proud of the progress made by UCEM throughout my time as Chair, flanked by an inspiring group of Trustees, including our Principal who has led the institution with great ability and energy for the past six years.
“My work is not done yet and it will be a privilege handing the baton on to Amanda and discussing with her the role in greater detail over the next 12 months. I have every faith that Amanda will be a fantastic Chair and continue to deliver on the progress being made by UCEM as we embark on our second century.”
As well as being CBRE Head of Strategic Advisory, Amanda is the Managing Director for Advisory across EMEA, supporting clients on their strategic real estate agenda and is a Member of the firm’s UK Board. She is a Past President of RICS, becoming the longest-serving in the institution’s history, and is a published author and speaker on areas such as strategy, digital, cities, placemaking, real estate and the war for talent. She is a strong voice on diversity and inclusion in the sector, is a Trustee of the Chartered Surveyors Training Trust, and is also a Court Assistant of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors. Amanda is a Fellow of the RICS, APM, the Institute of Consulting and the RSA.
Additionally, Amanda received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Westminster this week for her outstanding contribution to building safety and diversity and inclusion in the Built Environment through the university’s School of Real Estate and Construction. She is a Certified Management Consultant and Companion of the Institute of Management and previously, she was a Partner at EY LLP and PwC LLP.
