The Urban Land Institute (ULI) today announced that Carlos Leiria Pinto, General Manager of EuroHypo AG, Commerzbank Group, Portugal – is the new Chairman of ULI Portugal. Carlos is succeeding Francisco Rocha Antunes of John Nield & Associados, who has served in the voluntary role since 2008.

ULI is a global research and education institute dedicated to responsible land use and sustainable community building. Currently, ULI has nearly 30,000 members worldwide and more than 2,000 in 16 countries across Europe.

An active member of the ULI since joining in 2001, Mr Pinto, 49, was appointed General Manager of EuroHypo Portugal in 2002. EuroHypo has an active loan portfolio of 2.250 million Euros in Portugal. Prior to joining the company, he spent three years at the Portugese branch of RheinHyp Bank. He spent almost nine years at Banque National de Paris / Paribas between 1990-1999 in roles within real estate credit management and structured finance. Carlos began his professional career in civil engineering in 1985 first with Amadeu Gaudencio and then, CP, before moving into the banking industry.

Said Francisco Rocha Antunes, outgoing Chairman of ULI Portugal, “In tough times like these we need to increase the exchange of opinions and experiences with our peers. The ULI brings together professionals who share the passion of real estate, as well as have the values and integrity to meet the challenges demanded by industry and society.

“It has been a privilege to serve ULI Portugal, learning and sharing real experiences with some of the best in Portugal and other European countries. I have greatly enjoyed the last three years and I am delighted to welcome Carlos as as our new Chaiman. Carlos is well-known to ULI members and he has the vision, the wisdom and cool head that are essential to addressing the challenges faced by our industry.”

Said Carlos Leiria Pinto, new Chairman of ULI Portugal, “It is my great pleasure to succeed Francisco, who has achieved so much in promoting and developing ULI and its contribution in all fields of activity. On behalf of the Portuguese Council Executive Committee I thank Francisco for his fantastic work and we hope to draw on his experience and continued support for the future.

“We find ourselves in particularly difficult and uncertain times in Europe – and particularly in Portugal. It is time to bring together public and private sectors, helping to put on the table fresh and creative ideas in urban development, infrastructure and transport and opening new doors for debate. Urban regeneration is the future of real estate industry in the main Portuguese towns. ULI can play a key role in this exciting challenge and I am committed to the Institute becoming an indispensable partner for every real estate player in terms of ideas, experience and international contacts”.