Fiera Real Estate UK has appointed Ben Coles as its new chairman replacing Ray Palmer, who is moving to a non-executive position on the board.
Palmer founded Palmer Capital in 1993 and the company became the European arm of Fiera Real Estate following a partnership in 2019. He will continue to support the business in a non-executive capacity, maintaining a close involvement with the firm’s current and long-term strategy.
Coles (pictured) has more than 25 years of real estate experience, including 22 years at Wrenbridge – a Fiera Real Estate operating partner – 15 of which he served as CEO. Coles is stepping down as CEO of Wrenbridge with the senior management team assuming day-to-day leadership of the business.
Palmer said: “It has been a privilege to lead the business from its origins as Palmer Capital through to the institutional platform we have built today as Fiera Real Estate. I am immensely proud of the team and the culture we have created. As the business continues to scale, this is the right time to transition to a non-executive role while ensuring continuity and stability.
“Ben is the outstanding candidate to chair the business. He has been deeply embedded within the Fiera ecosystem for many years, brings a sophisticated understanding of our operating partner model, and has a proven ability to scale platforms and cultivate enduring capital relationships. I look forward to supporting him, Charles and the wider team as the business accelerates its next chapter.”
Coles added: “It is an honour take on this role and build on the legacy created by Ray. Fiera Real Estate has developed a distinctive market proposition, underpinned by deep sector specialisation and a differentiated operating partner model that delivers for investors.
“There is real potential to expand the platform by increasing assets under management, broadening our geographic footprint, and deepening relationships with global capital partners. The business is positioned to capture large and complex transactions, while maintaining the agility that has defined its success to date.”
Charles Allen, head of European real estate at Fiera Real Estate, said: “Ray’s entrepreneurial vision and long-term stewardship have been instrumental in shaping Fiera Real Estate’s market leading position it finds itself in today. Ben’s appointment comes at an important point in our growth trajectory as we continue to scale the business and execute our high-conviction, pan-European strategy. With the depth of experience across our board, executive team and operating partners, we are extremely well equipped for long-term success.”
