STEPHEN Lewis, MD of HFD Property Group, will be appointed as chair of the Scottish Property Federation (SPF) at the organisation’s annual conference in Edinburgh.
He succeeds Kevin Robertson, MD of KR Developments, who has chaired the SPF since April 2021. Maria Francké, director at MF Planning, will become vice-chair.
Stephen has over 25 years’ commercial property experience in both the private and public sectors across roles including asset management, agency and development. Leading the property division of Glasgow-based HFD Group since 2008, he helped deliver Glasgow’s first net zero carbon office development at 177 Bothwell Street.
Stephen Lewis said, “I am delighted to be leading the SPF at this important time for Scotland’s built environment. With the recovery from the pandemic underway, it is time for us to look to the future and ensure that our industry is in the best possible position to meet the changing and diverse needs of communities across Scotland.
“Significant challenges still lie ahead, however, not least the continued headwinds affecting our town and city centres and the huge challenge ahead of decarbonising both new and existing buildings. We face rising costs in many parts of our industry too from energy and materials.
“Collaboration will be key to addressing these important issues, not just between the industry and local and national governments, but also within the industry as these problems will be best tackled collectively. My priority from day one will be to enhance these essential relationships and seek to forge new partnerships.
“I also look forward to using my new role to continue the stellar work started by my predecessor to support the next generation of property professions and to reach out to people that may not have considered a career in our industry before.”
Kevin Robertson, immediate past-chair, Scottish Property Federation, added, “It has been an honour to lead the SPF over the past year and a real privilege to meet with members and other stakeholders from across the country who have been involved in incredible projects during these unprecedented times. Having worked closely with both Stephen and Maria, I know that they are well suited to leading the SPF throughout this period of transformation for the industry, and I wish them every success.”
