The Urban Land Institute (ULI) has appointed Ben Collins as Executive Director for the United Kingdom.

Collins joins ULI, the world’s oldest and largest network for real estate experts, from Penta Group, a global communications firm, and brings over 15 years’ experience in the sector including a decade at RICS where he was a UK regional director, and 5 years as Chief Executive at NIFHA (Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations).

ULI UK is the global research and education institute’s largest national council in Europe, with over 1,300 members. Collins will be responsible for leading the Institute’s continuous growth and development, and optimising its impact and influence in the sector, including in local and regional development issues and land use policies.

Ben Collins said: “ULI’s mission, to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in our communities, really resonates with me. The Institute is addressing the significant challenges affecting our industry, from decarbonisation to equitable and sustainable land use and affordable housing, and we’re committed to ensuring that members will have access to the latest knowledge and best practice to address these important areas throughout their careers, including through education, knowledge sharing and mentoring. I’m excited to join the Institute, and I Iook forward to working closely with all our members.”

Anette Simpson, chair of ULI United Kingdom, and director of development and partnerships, Legal & General Affordable Homes, said: “We’re looking forward to working with Ben as we continue to build on a great legacy in the UK in our work with members. We’re focused on some of the most pressing challenges faced by the industry today, and Ben’s expertise will be vital to our continued response.”

Lisette van Doorn, CEO of ULI Europe, said: “I’d like to warmly welcome Ben as the new Executive Director in the UK. Ben is highly experienced in the real estate sector, and we’re looking forward to collaboratively develop ULI’s presence in the UK, by growing the National Council membership, delivering a valuable programme for our members, and furthering the mission of ULI in the UK.”

ENDS

About the Urban Land Institute

The Urban Land Institute is a non-profit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the institute has over 48,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.

ULI has almost 5,500 members in Europe across 15 National Council country networks. For more information, please visit uli.org, or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.

visit ULI UK and ULI Europe.

Ben Collins biography

Present – ULI UK – Executive Director
May 2022 – Penta Group – various roles
May 2017 – NIFHA (Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations) – Chief Executive
June 2007 – RICS Northern Ireland – various roles