Riordan will prioritise creation of programmes that foster development of new ideas and innovation.

LONDON (6 July 2020) – William Riordan, director at Value Retail Management, has been appointed as chair of ULI Europe Young Leaders Group. Riordan, who succeeds Hala El Akl, director at PLP Architecture, officially began his term on 1 July 2020 and will serve on a voluntary basis for the next two years.

As part of his role Riordan will represent the views of those aged under 35 and become a member of the ULI Europe Executive Committee, which oversees ULI’s activities across the region. He recognises that this is a particularly important time for the younger generation in the real estate industry. “This is an unprecedented period for all industries that touch the built environment, and one which will define the careers of many of our Young Leaders,” said Riordan. “ULI will be a vital resource for this group throughout this period – one which stimulates reinvention and encourages development.”

One of Riordan’s priorities as chair of the ULI Europe Young Leaders Group is to highlight pioneering thought from the next generation of real estate leaders. “The exogenous shock we have experienced this year should be a catalyst for innovation,” said Riordan. “Throughout my tenure I will prioritise the creation of programmes to foster development of new ideas and hope to strengthen the excellent work done by my predecessor, Hala, to showcase the innovation of the young talent in the organisation. I would like to thank Hala for the incredible work she has done over the past couple of years and for the support she has given me to ensure a smooth transition as I begin my new role.”

Former chair of the ULI Europe Young Leaders Group, Hala El Akl, plans to stay involved with the Institute and welcomed her successor’s appointment. “I greatly enjoyed leading the Young Leaders in Europe – and working with an amazing community of people to explore visions for future cities,” said el Akl. “I am thrilled to be passing the baton on to Will. His passion and curiosity for innovation in the built environment will be instrumental to his tenure. I look forward to seeing how the Young Leaders develop under his leadership in the next few years.”

Marnix Galle, new ULI Europe Chairman who also started his term on 1 July, said: “The Young Leaders programme is an incredibly important part of ULI as the under 35s involved are the future experts of our industry and will be seeking to transform real estate for the better. I look forward to working with William to ensure that he is well supported by our more senior colleagues and to establish the connections that ULI is well known for.”

Riordan has previously benefited from ULI’s mentorship programme and plans to focus on this aspect as part of his role. “Building networks and facilitating engagement between members is a core tenet of the organisation,” said Riordan. “I am keen to support and reinforce cross generational connections between the Young Leaders and other leaders in the organisation. I was personally impacted by my early mentorships facilitated by ULI and hope to grow this opportunity for others.”

Riordan has been a member of ULI since 2011 and is also a member of the European Retail & Entertainment Product Council. He has over ten years’ experience in commercial, retail, hospitality and master planned projects throughout Europe, North America and Asia for Value Retail, as well as affiliate organisations including S.D. Malkin Properties and New York Hockey Holdings, the owner of the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders.

“William’s enthusiasm for ULI’s mission combined with his business experience makes him an excellent fit for this role,” said Lisette van Doorn, CEO of ULI Europe. “He has exciting ideas for the European Young Leader’s programme and we look forward to working with him. I would also like to thank Hala El Akl for the extraordinary contribution she has made as chair, supporting the development of the local Young Leader groups across Europe and developing programmes, led by the Young Leaders, for the broader ULI membership.”

Riordan holds three citizenships (American, British & Swiss) and has lived in London for the past 13 years.

Notes to editors 

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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 provide leadership in the responsible use of land in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the institute has over 45,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land us and development disciplines.
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