The Urban Land Institute (ULI) has appointed Ian Hawksworth, CEO of Shaftesbury Capital PLC, as ULI UK Chair, succeeding Mark Collins, non-executive director at Kingdom International Real Estate and Echlin. Commencing 1 March 2026, Ian will serve on a voluntary basis until June 2027. Ian’s appointment was announced by ULI Europe Chair Anne Kavanagh during this week’s ULI UK Conference in London.

Ian has been an active member of ULI for 24 years and is currently a member of the ULI European Retail and Entertainment Council. Previously, he was a ULI Global Governing Trustee, was part of the original formation of ULI Asia in the 1990s and served two terms on the Global Executive Board.

Ian has over 38 years’ experience in global real estate investment, development, asset and corporate management, and extensive experience and knowledge of the London property market, having previously been Chief Executive of Capital & Counties Properties PLC (“Capco”) since Capco’s inception in 2010. Ian is Chief Executive of Shaftesbury Capital, the leading Central London mixed-use REIT, shaping strategy and driving performance.

ULI is a global, 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. In the UK, ULI has circa 1300 members nationwide from across the built environment.

Under Ian’s leadership, the priorities for ULI UK will include a focus on enhancing the institute’s visibility and presence and convening the industry’s expert leaders to address the critical issues impacting the real estate market. Membership value, building lasting strategic partnerships with industry organisations, cities, and government, and focusing on making an impact for both communities and places across the UK will also be key. Finally, additional priorities will include a focus on how ULI acts as a convenor between the public and private sectors in relation to facilitating meaningful dialogue and outcomes on important areas including housing and decarbonisation, and nurturing and championing the next generation of leaders through the ULI Young Leader programme.

Outgoing Chair Mark Collins comments: “It has been an honour to serve as the UK Chair for ULI over the past two and a half years. My journey with ULI started over 15 years ago, and while I hand over my role as Chair, I will remain involved with the organisation sitting as a member of the ULI Europe Affordable Housing Council. I have truly enjoyed leading a team of dedicated and passionate Executive Committee members to steer the direction of the UK National Council, and as always will continue to champion our Young Leaders, regional growth opportunities, and mission priorities going forward. I am thrilled to be passing the baton to Ian, who brings a wealth of knowledge, long-standing ULI leadership, and valued expertise to the table.”

Ian Hawksworth adds: “I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of ULI UK, an organisation I very much admire. ULI’s commitment to responsible land use, resilient communities, and thoughtful leadership has never been more important. I look forward to working with our members and partners to advance these principles and help shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for the industry and built environment.”

Anne Kavanagh, ULI Europe Chair, concludes: “I am delighted that Ian has committed to be our incoming ULI UK Chair. He brings seasoned knowledge as a leader in real estate, understands the current challenges and opportunities that we are navigating as an industry, and has a strong ambition to support ULI as it continues to share global best practice for the benefit of its members.”

“I am confident that Ian will carry forward the momentum that the UK has been building over the past two years and will focus on amplifying our impact and our membership presence in the UK market during his leadership term.”

Ends

Notes to editors

The Urban Land Institute is a non-profit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has over 48,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines. ULI has over 5,500 members in Europe across 15 National Council country networks.

ULI UK is the largest ULI National Council in Europe with circa 1,300 members from the private and public sectors representing all disciplines within the UK commercial and residential property market.

For more information on ULI, please visit https://europe.uli.org and https://uk.uli.org