We are delighted to announce the appointment of five new board members to help us promote diversity within the property market. Freehold welcomes Sarah Rock, Lucy Smith, Dan Westeley, Ian Pattinson and Scott Parsons to the already experienced board of members for the company, each bringing fresh eyes and experience to tackle the acceptance of diversity within the industry.
Whilst Covid-19 has struck the plans of all companies in the real-estate industry, Freehold pivoted their strategy to adapt to the new way of working, hosting virtual events and rebranding to provide support to the property industry LGBTQ+ members at a desperate time.
Co-Founder of Freehold Saleem Fazal comments “Our new board members certainly have the skills and experience we need to achieve our most immediate goals. They also bring fresh ideas and new energy to the board. With them we are well placed to achieve our key aspiration of improving all diversity across the real estate industry in 2021 and beyond.”
With this update, Freehold are regretfully wishing farewell to board members, Brie Steven-Hoare and Ollie Saunders, who have contributed 10 years to the role. Brie and Ollie are stepping aside to focus on new projects and to allow room for new members with different experiences and focuses to join the board.
“It is really sad to say goodbye to Brie and Ollie who have been with us since day one and worked so hard to make Freehold what it is today and impact so many people. We are grateful that they will remain as ambassadors and mentors to keep the community growing stronger than ever,” states David Mann Co-Founder of Freehold.
Meet the new members:
Sarah Rock, Principal Associate, Gowling WLG (UK) LLP
Sarah is a Principal Associate in the construction and engineering team at global law firm Gowling WLG (UK) LLP. Sarah specialises in projects incorporating digital construction. Sarah sits on the Digital Framework Task Group as the sole legal representative assisting the Centre for Digital Built Britain with the roll out of the National Digital Twin programme.
Lucy Smith, Partner HTA Design LLP
Lucy is a Partner at HTA and a member of HTA’s Diversity & Inclusion team, specifically Women@HTA and the LGBTQ+ group inclusive which aims to promote diversity across the practice and the built environment. She is also a member of the Architecture Race Forum and an Executive Committee member of the London Society.
Dan Westeley, Leasing Director, Battersea Power Station Development Company
Dan works at Battersea Power Station as a Leasing Director in the commercial team with a focus on offices, leisure and medical space. He has been in the role for four years, previously working at CBRE where he joined as a graduate. Outside of the office, Dan spends a lot of his time on the hockey pitch and catching up with friends and family.
Ian Pattinson, Senior Regeneration Manager, Southern Housing Group
Ian is a Senior Regeneration Manager at Southern Housing Group (SHG) specialising in complex regeneration projects and resident consultation. Ian has over 16 years’ experience in housing development and regeneration for both registered providers and local authorities. He is Co-founder and Chair of SHG’s LGBTQ+ and allies network, PRISM, and is currently training to become a qualified work coach.
Scott Parsons, Chief Operating Officer, Unibail Rodamco Westfield
Scott is responsible for leading all aspects of investment, development, asset management and operations for Unibail Rodamco Westfield’s properties and projects within the region. With a career spanning more than 20 years, Scott is an active supporter of the real estate industry, serving as a trustee of LandAid, the property industry’s charity focussed on ending homelessness in the UK.
