Aviva Investors appoints new managing director for real estate

Aviva Investors appoints new managing director for real estate

Aviva Investors has appointed Ben Sanderson as Managing Director, Real Estate.

Sanderson will join Aviva Investors in January 2022 with responsibility for the direct real estate business. He will report to Daniel McHugh, Chief Investment Officer, Real Assets, and join the Real Assets Senior Leadership Team.

Sanderson has over 20 years’ experience in UK, continental Europe, and global real estate investment. He joins the business after 13 years at Federated Hermes, most recently holding the role of Executive Director, Fund Management, with responsibility for global real estate, UK residential and real estate debt investment programmes, as well as overseeing ESG strategy.

Prior to Federated Hermes, he was at M&G Real Estate for almost six years, where he held the positions of Fund Manager for the Global Real Estate Securities Fund and Head of Global Strategy and View Formation for private real estate investments. He is the current Chair of the UK Investment Property Forum.

Alongside Sanderson’s appointment, Aviva Investors also said that James Stevens, who has led the Real Estate business on an interim basis since February 2021, will take up the new role of Head of Real Estate Investment in January, reporting to Ben Sanderson.

In his new role, Stevens will be responsible for delivering strong performance for our clients through the origination of investment opportunities and developments, as well as leading joint venture and co-investment programmes.

“We are delighted that we have been able to attract someone of Ben’s calibre to Aviva Investors. Ben has demonstrable experience in leading teams and setting and executing business strategies, as well as strong pedigree in research and ESG. I look forward to working closely with him to further strengthen our direct real estate capabilities. I also want to thank James for leading the team over the past several months and to congratulate him on his new role,” said Daniel McHugh, CIO, Real Assets, at Aviva Investors.