Jasmax announces the appointment of Ben van Bruggen as Urban Design Principal in their Auckland office
Ben joins Jasmax from Auckland Council, where he led the Strategy team within the Auckland Design Office.
His appointment underlines the increasing nationwide focus on ensuring New Zealand’s cities are liveable, accessible and sustainable. With his experience shaping major infrastructure projects, large-scale housing developments and urban regeneration schemes in Auckland, as well as in his native London, van Bruggen adds further strength to Jasmax’s award-winning Urban Design team.
Jasmax CEO, Sjoerd Post, welcomed the significant experience van Bruggen brings to the practice.
“We’re delighted to have someone of Ben’s calibre join us, having led multidisciplinary teams around the world and here in New Zealand. His skill in developing major projects that unlock economic, social and environmental value is exactly what we need as our clients tackle the challenges of a chronic housing shortage, infrastructure deficit and climate change. He is passionate about providing the evidence for better outcomes for people that result from good design decisions.”
Bayleys Property Services expands into retail property management with new senior appointment
The effects of Covid-19 on New Zealand’s retail property scene – combined with ever-evolving changes to the way consumers shop in traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ premises – has led to the creation of a new senior role within Bayleys Property Services – the commercial property management and services division of Bayleys Real Estate.
Michael Gillon has been appointed the agency’s Head of Retail Property Management, based out of Bayleys Property Services’ Auckland office and with a national mandate. Michael Gillon has previously worked with property management agencies such as Colliers and JLL. He was based in London for the past 10 years returning to New Zealand at the end of last year.
Michael Gillon’s retail-specific mandate is to build a national management portfolio of retail properties providing clients with a credible alternative option for the outsourced management of their suburban retail hubs, through to large format shopping malls and centres.
“The continued increase in online spend along with the effects of the Covid pandemic has meant retailers have had to adapt accordingly and I think this evolution also applies to the way retail properties are managed. Property management teams need to introduce innovative technology with customer experience, social value and sustainability initiatives at the forefront,” Michael Gillon added.
“Retail locations such as shopping centres are usually at the heart of their immediate local communities, where people live, work, shop and play so the role of the retail property manager also involves ensuring that there is a strong relationship for the client and their asset within the local community.”
Bayleys Property Services General Manager Stuart Bent said Michael Gillon would be working with Bayleys’ extensive network of retail sales and commercial leasing agents throughout the country, and also closely liaising with existing BPS clients to understand the issues and strategies they require to successfully manage their retail property assets.
Russell McVeagh Partner and Board member Allison Arthur-Young has been elected as Russell McVeagh’s Board Chair
Arthur-Young, who has been a Board member for three years, succeeds outgoing Board Chair Malcolm Crotty who has completed his term, having served three years in the role. Crotty will resume his full-time practice as a key Litigation partner at the firm.
Joining the firm in 2005, Arthur-Young is a partner in the firm’s Environment, Planning and Natural Resources group. Prior to joining the Board in 2018, she was the group’s National Practice Group Chair.
In other changes to the Board, partners Ian Beaumont and Tom Hunt join the Board alongside current Board members, Matt Kersey and Mei Fern Johnson. Joe Windmeyer joins Crotty in stepping down following their tenures.
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