Ric Lewis to maintain role with AEW funds

Veteran real estate professional Ric Lewis is to continue his involvement with AEW Europe's key property funds when he steps down as chief investment officer in April to set up his own investment company.

PropertyEU reported last November that Lewis was resigning his positions at Paris-based AEW Europe and as CEO of its London unit Curzon Global Partners due to a restructuring of the group which had led to a shift of power to the French side of the operation. Lewis was to remain as consultant to AEW Europe for three months after his resignation next April.

But in a recent letter to sent to AEW Europe's clients, the company indicated that Lewis will remain actively involved as senior portfolio manager for the AEW Europe European Property Investors (EPI) and European Property Investors Special Opportunities (EPISO) funds to ‘to capitalise on the opportunistic investments’ in the market.

Jeff Furber, chief executive of the AEW Capital Management group and chairman of the Board of AEW Europe, said in the letter: 'We believe that retaining Ric's leadership on these two funds is a win/win for all involved - we and our clients will continue to have full access to Ric’s exceptional portfolio management skills; and Ric has the opportunity to pursue his dream of entrepreneurship in a highly supportive environment.'

Lewis will continue to operate out of AEW Europe's offices in London. 'He will have complete access to AEW’s global research and investment platform and he will receive on-going support from the same AEW Europe team that has achieved terrific success. Additionally, Ric’s interests continue to be aligned with all funds and he will collaborate with the AEW Europe team on the management of the core-plus funds Curzon Capital Partners I and II,' Furber said.