RG10 Profile Talk

Reading Graduates hear from successful alumnus, David Atkins, CEO of Hammerson

On Thursday 10 November 2011, the RREF RG10s held their Autumn Profile Talk, which was kindly hosted by Corporate Patron Jones Lang LaSalle at their Hanover Square offices. Over 60 guests came to hear the guest speaker, David Atkins (Reading Land Management graduate of 1988), talk about his career in property thus far, from a trainee surveyor in the late 1980s, to his rise to be the current Chief Executive of Hammerson Plc.

Following an introduction from Nigel Wheeler, Executive Chairman of Property & Asset Management at Jones Lang LaSalle, guests heard from David about his early career moves whilst at DTZ including time spent in the Central London Investment team, Fund Management and M&A consultancy. David had some pertinent advice regarding a flexible and open-minded approach to a career in surveying, stressing that surveyors should not be afraid to gain experience in a range of departments and sectors. David touched on the element of luck, timing and seizing your chances when discussing his move to Hammerson after 10 successful years with DTZ. One of his early positions was within the REIT's US department at a time when the company was winding down operations and divesting of its interests in North America. The role involved a steep learning curve and time spent away in the US making some difficult decisions regarding investments which had not proved as successful as once hoped. A clear appetite to explore different areas of the property industry clearly helped to throw the spotlight on David's achievements and in early 2009, during one of the toughest property markets David could remember he was invited to take the post as Chief Executive at Hammerson. This role brought about another step up the learning curve as David learnt to juggle his operational duties along with the demands of the various stakeholders, which a FTSE 100 company attracts.

A lively Q&A session followed with guests clearly interested in hearing David's thoughts on the current European economic turmoil, and his insights into where he felt future growth within the property market may occur. As well as why David was sporting a very fetching moustache - all in aid of charity, so we were told!

David kindly stayed after the talk and joined guests for a drink, to discuss his career further and no doubt reminisce about his time at Reading.

Kate Dow, an MSc Real Estate 2009 graduate and Graduate Surveyor at CBRE said:

"The talk was really interesting, particularly as David discussed the early stages of his career during the early 1990's property recession. To have someone of David's calibre take the time to talk to us, and join us for a drink afterwards was great, and really showed the important support network which RREF continue to make stronger".

Guests had earlier heard from Tim Graham, Associate in Jones Lang LaSalle's West End Investment Team, and member of RREF's RG10 committee, regarding the roles which both RREF and the RG10's carry out to help support students both past and present, throughout their careers in property. It is through events such as this profile talk, where leading industry figures kindly donate their time and wisdom, and where guests can gain some valuable advice and insight along with an opportunity to network, which help to support past students in their current careers and, from funds raised, help support current students to maintain the high standards set by the University of Reading and Henley Business School. The RG10 committee organise a range of events throughout the year including profile talks, drinks evenings and sporting events. They provide an excellent opportunity catch up with friends and network amongst peers, and crucially raise valuable funds to help support students currently studying at the university.

So far this year the committee's events have raised over £7,500. It is hoped that the next events, including a drinks evening and football tournament in the new year will be equally well supported.