Justin Sullivan was officially inaugurated last week (16 January) as the 143rd president of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
During his keynote speech, the founder and chief executive of property and construction consultancy Adair talked about his humble origins and the opportunities that had enabled him to succeed professionally.
“It is my turn to pay it forward”, he told those gathered at Church House in Westminster, adding that closing the skills gap and developing the next generation would be key priorities during his time as president.
“I see it as part of RICS’ responsibility to the public interest to show people; students in early education, and those in the later stages of their lives, that RICS is a home for anyone with the right attitude, drive, and ambition”, said Sullivan, who took over from the 142nd president Tina Paillet on 1 January.
He added that he wanted to “champion the recognition of surveyors’ contributions”, echoing the remarks he made in his 2025 forecast comment for BE News.
“Together, we will strengthen trust in our profession,” he pledged. “We will attract a next generation of leaders, and we will ensure that the work you do – the impact you make – shines brightly for all to see.”
On January 1, Maureen Ehrenberg FRICS became the senior vice president (SVP) of RICS for 2025, while RICS fellow Nicholas Maclean became president elect following his service as senior vice president in 2024.
