Comings & Goings

Susanne Eickermann-Riepe to become RICS senior vice president for 2026

Susanne Eickermann-Riepe has been elected to join the RICS presidential team as senior vice president (SVP) for 2026, commencing her term on 1 January 2026.

In a career spanning 40 years, Eickermann-Riepe, who is a civil engineer, holds extensive experience in senior roles and board positions at the top of the surveying profession. She brings with her a wealth of expertise working in the real estate industry, including 18 years as a partner of PwC WP GmbH.

Eickermann-Riepe currently serves as chair of the RICS European World Regional Board and consequently as a member of the Global Members Committee at RICS. Among other roles, she is also Chair of the Board at ICG Institute, a Member of the Supervisory Board at Austrian Real Estate GmbH, and a non-executive director at CTP N.V., Europe’s largest listed owner, developer, and manager of logistics and industrial real estate.

Her other board positions include member of the Sustainability Board at BIG, Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft Austria, chair of the Real Estate Commission at DGNB – German Sustainable Building Council, Member Global Leadership Board of Future Place, Sydney, member of the advisory board of DREA, Digital Real Estate Association and deputy chair of the Real Estate Commission at DVFA – Society of Investment Professionals in Germany

Eickermann-Riepe will serve as SVP for one year before stepping into the role of president elect on 1 January 2027 and ultimately becoming RICS President in 2028.

Eickermann-Riepe said: “I am honoured to be elected and look forward to supporting our institution at a time of fundamental change for the profession – one that challenges the standards we set and our membership. In uncertain times, it’s vital to provide clear direction.

“I want to build bridges; not just between our members across the world, but also with organisations that pursue the same goals. Driving localisation and championing the diverse voices of our profession whilst adapting to new technologies will be crucial to maintain our relevancy to local market needs.”

RICS acting president, Nick Maclean, commented: “I welcome Susanne to the presidential team in 2026. With her extensive experience in the real estate industry, and her advisory board and committee positions, she has displayed outstanding commitment and insights that will make her well-suited as Senior Vice President. Her goal to continue driving local relevance and value to members across the world will help us ensure we continue to be a member-centric Institution.”

Penny Griggs joins the Savills team in Southampton

Penny Griggs has joined Savills Southampton as an associate director, bringing 15 years of property industry experience.

An MRICS-registered valuer, Griggs began her career in residential property before moving into the commercial sector in 2017.

She spent much of her career in Savills’ valuations team in London and has now taken up the Southampton role following her recent move from Surrey to the South Coast with her family.

“I am delighted to be back at Savills,” said Griggs.

“I am looking forward to deepening my local market knowledge, working collaboratively across departments and building new relationships with clients.”

Josh Fisher has also joined the Savills team as a graduate surveyor, having completed his BSc Real Estate degree at Oxford Brookes University.

Jonny Kiddle, who heads up Savills’ South Coast development team, added: “It’s great to have Penny back at Savills and covering the South Coast and to welcome Josh, who is starting out in his property career.

“With their knowledge and experience, they will both be excellent additions to our team.”

Berkeley Group appoints new CFO

Berkeley Group has appointed Neil Eady as its new chief financial officer, succeeding Richard Stearn, who recently stepped up to become the company’s new chief executive.

Eady has been with Berkeley since 2013, holding various finance positions within the group. Prior to joining Berkeley, he spent a decade at Land Securities, where he held several roles, including corporate finance director.

The appointment follows Stearn’s transition to CEO, creating a vacancy in the CFO role now filled by Eady.

Rob Perrins, executive chair of Berkeley, said: “Neil’s broad experience, both at Berkeley and in his previous career, the relationships he has established and knowledge of our culture and systems make him ideally placed for the role.”