Lars Huber, the CEO of Hines Europe, has been appointed as ULI Europe chairman. Huber, who succeeds Marnix Galle, executive chair of the board of developer Immobel, will serve on a voluntary basis for a two-year term starting on 1 July.
He will also join the ULI global board of directors.
Huber brings extensive leadership experience working with the Institute to his new role. He has served on the ULI Europe executive committee for the last two years and is also a ULI global governing trustee.
Under his leadership at Hines, working in close partnership with ULI, he was instrumental in establishing the highly successful, annual ULI Hines Student Competition – Europe, which is now in its third year.
Additionally, Hines, alongside other global real estate players, contributes to ULI Europe’s flagship initiative to help the real estate industry decarbonise the built environment.
'We are thrilled that Lars will be joining us as the chair of ULI Europe,' said ULI global chair, Peter Ballon, global head of real estate, CPP Investment Board.
'Lars has an impressive track record in his passion for - and commitment to - the Institute, including through the support of Hines. He is dedicated to tackling many major industry challenges, which perfectly reflects the mission priorities of ULI globally and which are driving many key initiatives in Europe.'
He adds: 'We are confident that ULI in Europe will continue to flourish under his direction, building upon the great work achieved through the expert leadership of Marnix over the last two challenging years.
'This includes his advancement of our mission in Europe, the continued membership growth, the value delivered to members, and most recently his energy and diligence when hosting the Europe Conference in Brussels. We send our thanks to Marnix for his invaluable contribution.'
Marnix Galle, outgoing ULI Europe chair, said: 'It has been a real privilege to lead ULI in Europe over the past two years, and while the wider situation across the industry has been challenging, I am proud of the sustained growth that the Institute has achieved, demonstrating its continued relevance during this period of fundamental change.
'I am really pleased to welcome Lars as my successor. I know that Lars is passionate about tackling the major challenges that our industry is facing, and I am sure he will build upon the great work that has been accomplished by ULI.'
Said Huber: 'It is a great honour for me personally to be appointed ULI Europe Chairman. I have the greatest of respect for ULI and the incredible work it does for our industry, and I am excited about ULI’s unique position to create significant change across the property sector and the challenges it faces in the current environment.'
Huber has identified several priorities that will guide his tenure as ULI Europe Chairman.'The industry is embarking on a seismic period of transformation while trying to navigate the myriad of economic, market and geopolitical challenges.
'The single biggest priority which ties the real estate industry together is the need to curb climate change, drive social impact and further advance diversity & inclusion, and I will be focused on pushing forward this ESG agenda in my role as ULI Europe chair.
'It is also clear that we need to recognise, properly address and fully embrace the longer-term, fundamental needs of our customers: the occupiers and end users of the buildings and space we create. This will require a stronger focus on the operation of real estate, shifting to a true human centric approach, supported by technology and the provision of services. Only this way we can successfully and holistically achieve our strategic and ESG goals.'
In addition to Lars Huber, Hala El Akl, senior director for ESG and operations, Oxford Properties Group, will join the ULI global board of directors from the Europe region.
