Avison Young's London Office appoints Co-Managing Directors
07 November 2023Avison Young today announces the successful appointment of new Co-Managing Directors for its London office: Kat Hanna, currently Director of Strategic Advisory and Place Strategy, and Adrian Boyce, currently Principal and Head of Project Management, Workplace, Arts and Culture. This significant milestone in the firm’s leadership framework demonstrates Avison Young’s commitment to growth across all regions in the UK, and its collaborative and people-centric working model.
Following an extensive internal application and interview process, Hanna and Boyce have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the company. Their appointment will bring forth a fresh strategic direction that will not only benefit clients, but also generate a positive and meaningful impact within the communities AY serves, aligning with the company’s ethos of fostering sustainable growth.
Kat Hanna joined the company over a year ago bringing a strategic approach to placemaking, regeneration and development, and supporting the Management Committee in business planning and corporate strategy. Hanna brings deep industry knowledge, having worked in London politics, policy, and development for the past decade. She is an experienced commentator on urban affairs, has an extensive network in the London property sector, is Chair of the NLA NextGen Committee and trustee of the London Society.
Prior to joining Avison Young, Hanna was Masterplan Strategist for Lendlease, working on the over-station redevelopment of Euston, London. She has also held roles at Cushman & Wakefield and Centre for London.
Joining the company earlier this year, Adrian Boyce has brought a wealth of experience in project management and an extensive background in occupier-focused solutions. With over two decades of experience in London's real estate landscape, Adrian provides strategic vision and diverse expertise to this new role, having previously been Head of Capital Projects Solutions at JLL for seven years. Here he held several leadership roles working across Project Management, Sales, and Occupiers Solutions; prior to JLL, Adrian worked at AECOM for 12 years as Director of Project Management.
Adrian's portfolio at AY encompasses a wide range of projects, including the major development of Salisbury Square for the City of London Corporation, working with renowned cultural institutions such as the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Science Museum, and global corporations on workplace and occupiers’ strategies.
Nick Walkley, UK President, Avison Young, said: “Both Kat and Adrian have consistently demonstrated their commitment and capability within Avison Young, establishing their status as invaluable assets to our organisation. They will enrich our leadership team with their substantial skills and wealth of experience.
“The decision to appoint two Co-Managing Directors for the London office is a strategic move aimed at harnessing the unique strengths and perspectives that Kat and Adrian bring to the table. This co-leadership model not only empowers our London office but also reinforces collaboration with our clients and partners. It allows us to offer a diverse and dynamic leadership approach that can navigate the complexities of the London market effectively.”
Kat Hanna, Director of Strategic Advisory and Place Strategy, Avison Young, said: “I am excited to bring my understanding of and passion for the London office, and our many outstanding people and projects, and the city and context in which we work to this role. I look forward to working with Adrian, in combining our respective strengths, insights and networks to create a culture of collaboration and community in London that ensures we can best anticipate and respond to the needs of our London clients.”
Adrian Boyce, Principal and Head of Project Management, Workplace, Arts and Culture, Avison Young, said: “I am delighted to be a part of driving growth for the London office and in its ongoing transformation, bringing my sales and commercial acumen to the role. I look forward to developing relationships with this team so that London achieves its potential, but also to playing a supporting role in other regions. This collaborative leadership approach between myself and Kat, will bring combined experience and diversity of thought to navigate this dynamic sector.”