M&G has appointed Simon Ellis as manager of its €4.5bn European Property Fund with Marc Reijnen taking on a broader role to lead M&G’s Continental European real estate platform.
The reshuffle follows David Jackson’s decision to retire after 43 years with M&G.
Reijnen, who currently leads M&G’s Continental European real estate investment and asset management teams, now assumes overall responsibility for the leadership and strategic direction of the European (ex-UK) platform, which includes a 30-strong team in six European offices and invests across all sectors in 12 countries.
Martin Towns, deputy head of M&G Real Estate, said: “David has played a pivotal role in shaping our strategy in continental Europe, selectively growing the portfolio and strategically diversifying into the living sector in 2019. We have grown the European platform alongside the fund, paving the way to support our other European strategies and ensuring our clients benefit from on-the-ground, local market expertise. We would like to thank David for his significant contribution throughout his career with M&G and we wish him the very best for his retirement.
“Simon has proved himself as an astute investor and, with the strength of our continental European platform, is well placed to lead the fund into the next stage of its growth. Investors are taking a closer look at the potential investment opportunity this market has to offer, with renewed interest in the growth potential of European economies. With Marc, Simon and the broader team, we will draw on our extensive experience and profound understanding of the European property landscape to drive long-term returns for our investors.”
Jackson added: “It has been a privilege to have such a fulfilling career in the real estate industry harnessing M&G’s unique combination of long-term capital from our life business and the strength of our client relationships on the asset management side. Establishing and growing our continental European platform has provided more institutional investors with access to multiple local markets that have so much to offer for those investors looking for diversification and different structural drivers.”
