Savills Investment Management (Savills IM) is on the cusp of a leadership overhaul, with Chief Executive Officer Alex Jeffrey stepping back from day-to-day management responsibilities at the end of June after seven years at the helm. Despite his departure, Mr. Jeffrey will remain involved with the company as a senior adviser, providing strategic guidance and supporting the transition.
As part of the succession plan, Michael Neal has been appointed interim Chief Executive from 1 July. With over 30 years of experience in global real estate investment, including stints at Nuveen, Mr. Neal will continue to lead Savills IM's investment strategy while taking on his new role. As global Chief Investment Officer, he joined the company in January 2025.
Cluttons has also made a significant move into the healthcare and senior living sectors, launching a dedicated division with industry veteran Iain Lock at its helm. Mr. Lock brings over a decade of experience from Avison Young, where he headed their healthcare business, and will work alongside Amanda Roddy, who joined Cluttons earlier this year.
The new division at Cluttons will offer comprehensive consultancy and transactional services to clients across various asset classes within independent healthcare, primary care, and senior living. These services include valuation, agency, lease advisory, development, and investment consultancy. This strategic expansion aligns with Cluttons' growth objectives across its infrastructure, commercial, and residential business lines.
The developments in the property investment and consultancy sectors reflect shifting market focus for UK households and businesses. Changes at Savills IM could influence investment strategies in property funds, affecting pension funds and institutional investors with exposure to real estate. Meanwhile, Cluttons' expansion into senior living highlights growing recognition of the demographic shift towards an ageing population and increasing demand for specialist accommodation and care facilities.