Matthias Thomas, the chief executive of the European Association for Investors in Non-Listed Vehicles (INREV), is leaving after seven years.

Thomas, who took over from Lisette van Doorn in 2010, will leave in September to join a real estate management company in Berlin.

INREV said its management board had begun the search for a replacement, with a view to bring someone in before Thomas leaves.

The association’s chairman, Neil Harris, said: “Matthias has played a pivotal role overseeing a strong INREV team focused on delivering a very high standard and broad range of services and events for our membership and ensuring that the association is at the forefront of thought leadership and research to support the development and growth of our industry in Europe and beyond.”

INREV, which now has 396 corporate members, holds its annual conference in Berlin next month.