Nathalie Charles is taking over as deputy CEO and global head of BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Management (REIM) from Barbara Knoflach.

Charles joins BNP Paribas REIM on 1 July from AXA IM–Real Assets where she was head of development and European country teams. She joined AXA IM - Real Assets in 2013 from EDF Group where she was managing director of corporate real estate.

BNP Paribas REIM said Knoflach has decided to leave the company. She joined the company in March 2015 following the sale of SEB Asset Management and was in charge of setting up and driving forward the investment management strategy for BNP Paribas Real Estate.

Under her leadership, BNP Paribas REIM’s European assets grew from €22bn to up to €29bn in 2018.

“My mission at BNP Paribas REIM to create a sizeable European Player with a strong international management team is accomplished, Knoflach said.

“Contributing to the growth ambitions of the group was a real pleasure. It was a great experience being part of one of the most exciting real estate networks in Europe. For me it’s time to move on.”

Thierry Laroue-Pont, chairman and CEO of BNP Paribas Real Estate, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Barbara for the achievements under her leadership and for being a driving force for our European ambitions.

“We are very pleased to welcome Nathalie. Her great experience and in-depth understanding of the entire life cycle of real estate will enable us to reach our ambitious goals in Europe.?

Laroue-Pont said the company’s growth drivers include a target of €34bn of assets under management by 2020.