Our Board

Real Estate Balance is managed by a Board of directors, Real Estate Balance Ltd, chaired by Jo Davis. Day to day operations are carried out by a small executive team led by our managing director, Sue Brown.

Our Board is the key decision-making body for the organisation and is accountable for ensuring that we perform our functions effectively and comply with our statutory obligations. It is also responsible for guiding our strategy, setting our campaigning priorities and overseeing our financial and operational performance.

 

Who we are

 

Jo Davis
Principal, Managing Director of Place and UK Executive Chair at Avison Young
(Real Estate Balance Chair)

Real Estate Balance is a premiership organisation, and my job is one of guardianship and growth, building on everything that has already been achieved. I started my real estate career in a team with a leadership structure that set me up for success. I was really lucky, and I want that to become the norm. I look forward to working alongside Real Estate Balance’s team to expand its reach and ensuring we remain relevant and agile to people at all stages of their career.

Suzanne Avery
Church Commissioners (Chair of Property Group)
(Real Estate Balance vice chair)

As one of the founders of Real Estate Balance, I am passionate about inclusive cultures, not only because they enable everyone to have the opportunity to fulfil their potential, but also for the simple reason that diverse organisations are more effective and enjoyable places to work.

Sue Brown
Managing Director, Real Estate Balance

I joined Real Estate Balance because I am committed to making a difference. We have already established the organisation as an effective campaigner for gender balance and it is really exciting to be part of our move to shine a spotlight on broader aspects of diversity and inclusion.

Simon Carter
Chief Executive, British Land

Diversity in every sense is critical to understanding our customers, creating better places and ultimately the success of our sector. I am delighted to have joined Real Estate Balance and look forward to working with other property leaders to drive cultural change within our industry.

Clarence Dixon
Global Head of Loan Services, CBRE

Diversity is known to be a driver of innovation and creativity, which we need now more than ever if we’re going to successfully meet the challenges of our time. I am proud to support Real Estate Balance and contributing to the development of a more equitable and inclusive industry.

Saira Choudhry
Partner, PwC

I'm delighted to be on the Board because even though real estate has progressed in terms of diversity, inclusive practices and providing opportunities for people from underrepresented groups, there is still a long way to go. 

Sheena Singla
General Counsel and Head of ESG, Logicor

We all individually have a responsibility to improve EDI but by working together, we can make a real difference and all benefit from the innovation and successes that will come with a more diverse and inclusive industry. 

Michela Hancock
Managing Director, Greystar Europe

EDI boosts creativity and innovation, supports organisations to be more adaptable and resilient, and enhances the health and performance of our industry as a whole. It is our responsibility to bring awareness to existing challenges, identify best practices, facilitate and enable change and celebrate success.

Andrea Ruckstuhl
Group Executive, International, Lendlease

I believe passionately in the power of innovation to create positive outcomes for individuals and communities. Innovation happens best when you get diverse expertise and viewpoints together and when everyone feels included and able to contribute fully.

 

Special adviser to the Board

 

Claire Milton
Partner, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

We’ve made progress as an industry since we first started Real Estate Balance. I’m excited that diversity is now so high on everyone’s agenda and that we can make a real difference by encouraging, challenging, supporting, and shining a light on best practice.

 

Get in touch

We welcome approaches from people interested in our work and organisations who wish to progress equity, diversity and inclusion in UK real estate and its associated sectors by joining us. You can reach Board members and the Executive via the Contact Us page.