Nick Maclean OBE has become the 144th president of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Maclean assumed the role on 1 January 2026 having held the role of acting president since March 2025.
Maclean has more than 30 years of property industry experience at CBRE, including serving as chair of CBRE Middle East and North Africa Region, and he spent seven years as a Scottish trade envoy. He has been an active member of RICS for more than 20 years serving on the governing council and is a former chair.
Maclean said: “It is one of the proudest achievements of my career to serve as president of the RICS, an organisation with such an incredible history and is synonymous with our industry. It’s such an exciting time for the RICS as it evolves to meet the fundamental reshaping of real estate driven by technology and sustainability and profound social, cultural and geo-economic shifts. The role of the RICS as both an industry and consumer-facing organisation has never been more important.
“Central to this work will be a focus on lifelong learning with RICS ensuring support for everyone who wishes to practice in our profession from 14 to retirement and beyond. We know that persistent skills shortages across the built environment will increasingly constrain delivery which is why we must build and maintain a robust pipeline of talent whilst elevating the importance of professional standards in the public interest.”
“The housing crisis remains one of the most critical issues facing our government and the country, with planning reform and accelerated delivery necessitating increasing reliance on professional advisors around land, viability, valuation, development and risk. 2026 will see an acceleration in transition from net zero ambition to delivery, putting more pressure on professional expertise to manage climate risk, retrofit, resilience and long term value in the built and natural environment.
“Finally, permeating the full spectrum of the industry, the digital revolution will continue apace, with advances in AI, data and digital tools changing the way and speed at which the sector operates. Professional standards, integrity and judgement in its application in the public interest is central to how we embrace change.”
Justin Young, chief executive officer of RICS, added: “I’ve really enjoyed working alongside Nick over the course of 2025 and I’m delighted to see him take up the reigns of the RICS presidency for 2026. While headquartered in London, our membership illustrates we are a truly global organisation which is reflected in Nick’s own career with his considerable experience of working in various international markets.
“He has held a number of roles with the RICS over 20 years and knows the organisation inside out. Nick also shares our passion for addressing skills shortages, promoting best sustainability practice and embracing new technologies in the best interests of our members and consumers. 2026 promises to be a big and exciting year for RICS and our members and we are in a strong place to address the challenges which lie ahead and accelerate the change and momentum gained over the last two years.”
Susanne Eickerman-Riepe assumed the role of senior vice president of RICS for 2026 on 1 January 2026 and RICS fellow Maureen Ehrenberg has become president elect following her service as senior vice president in 2025.
