BNP Paribas Real Estate UK’s chief executive Mark England is leaving the business after almost 40 years.
Stepping away: Mark England
Gary Higgins, managing director of subsidiary Strutt & Parker, has been named interim chief executive.
The firm said it was undertaking a major leadership restructuring to ensure it has an experienced interim team at the helm during the transition. England will remain as a senior adviser during the transition.
He was promoted from chief operating officer to UK chief executive in October 2025, succeeding Etienne Prongué, who moved internally to lead the firm’s international investment group.
The firm said Higgins was picked as interim CEO for his “deep knowledge of the UK business and strong understanding of the wider BNP Paribas environment”. He worked for BNP Paribas for 20 years before moving over to Strutt & Parker in April 2025.
Taking the helm: Gary Higgins
Higgins will be supported by Nico Keller, who will continue as deputy chief executive and head of capital markets in Germany while assuming the additional responsibility of interim head of UK advisory.
For the property management business, day-to-day management and client-facing responsibilities will continue to be led by Csongor Csukas, European head of property management; Steve Harber, UK head of property Management; and Leighton Thomas, UK head of professional services.
Jean-Maxime Jouis, chief executive BNP Paribas Real Estate, said: “This structure brings together proven senior leadership, strong UK market experience, international expertise and excellent existing management talent. It gives the UK business continuity, stability and clear client focus while we continue to deliver against our strategic priorities.”
BNP Paribas Real Estate fell to eighth on Property Week’s annual commercial real estate agency ranking. The UK firm reported negative growth in 2024, with revenue falling by 1.1% year on year to £136.5m. Operating and pre-tax losses, red since 2022, remained in negative territory.
