BNP Paribas Real Estate has announced a change at the top table with Andy Martin taking up a wider international business development role reporting to Group CEO, Thierry Laroue-Pont, and UK deputy CEO and head of commercial, Etienne Prongué stepping up as UK chief executive officer.
A member of the real estate firm’s executive board, Prongué has been with the business for over 14 years and was responsible for the growth of the BNPPRE International Investment Group (IIG).
Over the last three years Prongué and Martin have worked together to shape the UK business following the merger with Strutt & Parker.
‘It has been an honour to lead Strutt & Parker and BNP Paribas Real Estate through these last 10 transformational years,’ Martin said. ‘The merger has allowed us to create a powerful nationwide offering across the full property lifecycle. Three years on, our people’s combined expertise is helping our clients to shape the future of real estate and the places we live, work and visit. I’m proud of the business we have built and what we have achieved. The time is now right to start a new exciting chapter in my career using the knowledge and connections I have built up over 40 years in industry.’
Etienne Prongué added: ‘Over the last 15 years BNP Paribas Real Estate has grown into a €1bn business across Europe. The UK is a strategically important market and it’s where we see significant opportunities. I am excited to be leading the business through this next phase in our growth.’
To support the new leadership, a series of senior appointments have also been made, with the head of valuation Stephen Wolfe taking on an expanded role replacing Prongué as head of Commercial. In addition, John McLarty, head of planning, joins the commercial executive committee as head of development and planning.
