Chair of the Board — Newly Launching REIT | Confidential Search | London
Ramsey Portia is retained on a confidential search for a Chair to lead the founding board of a new REIT, ahead of launch in Q4. The vehicle is backed by an established institutional sponsor with a substantial real estate investment platform.
The opportunity
This is a founding Chair appointment, not a succession. The incoming Chair will be appointed ahead of the remaining non-executive seats and will play a central role in setting governance architecture and shaping how the vehicle presents itself to investors.
The role carries genuine authority. The Chair is expected to hold the executive to account, own the relationship with the sponsor at board level, and act as a visible figure to institutional investors through launch and beyond.
What you'll do
- Lead the board and set its agenda, culture and standards of debate
- Establish committee structure and oversee governance from a standing start
- Hold the executive team to account on strategy, capital allocation and risk
- Represent the vehicle to institutional investors, advisers and analysts through launch
- Oversee compliance with the applicable governance codes and Listing Rules
Who we're looking for
- Existing or prior Chair experience, or a senior independent director ready to step up to a first chairmanship
- Board-level track record with a listed or regulated investment vehicle — REIT, investment trust or closed-ended fund
- Deep credibility in real estate investment or investment trusts, with standing that carries weight with institutional investors
- Experience of an IPO, admission or fund launch strongly preferred
- Independent on appointment, with the capacity and availability the role genuinely requires
Terms
- Indicative commitment of 40–50 days per annum, with a heavier weighting through the launch period
- Initial three-year term, subject to annual re-election
- Fee market-competitive for a vehicle of this size and disclosed at first conversation
- Appointment subject to regulatory referencing and standard due diligence
We're happy to discuss the mandate in outline at first contact. Sponsor identity and full details follow a signed confidentiality agreement.