Inspiring Women in Property (IWiP) Awards 2025: Meet the winners

Now in its third year, the Inspiring Women in Property event rewarded the amazing achievements of women across the industry.

Property Week editor Lem Bingley opened proceedings with a sobering reminder that gender equality in the property industry is progressing, but not quickly enough.

“I hope we are all moving together towards a world where I won’t need to stand up here and call myself an ally, because gender equality will have become truly business as usual,” he said, before highlighting Property Week research showing the top five best-paid men in the sector collectively earn around £9m more than the top five best-paid women.

The charity partner for the night was Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO London). The organisation’s head of real estate, Marina Novis, talked to the audience about her work in giving educational, training and mentoring support to young people from low socioeconomic and ethnic minority backgrounds. She was joined by one of the students the organisation has supported, Kyra Sterling-Blake, who brought the impact of the charity’s work to life.

A special presentation was given by Property Week deputy editor Mel Flaherty, recognising the impressive work of Grainger chief executive Helen Gordon with a Lifetime Achievement award.

After a delicious three-course meal, guest speaker Sally Gunnell wowed the crowd with her remarkable story, not only as the only woman to concurrently hold four major track titles – Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth – but also for her dedication to inspiring others.

Guests were so engrossed in the video played of Gunnell running and winning the 400m hurdles gold at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona that they were clapping and cheering rapturously as they watched her cross the finish line.

The high energy continued as Gunnell then went on to present the remaining awards to 25 deserving winners, whose achievements are detailed below.

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EDI Champion of the Year – Commercial

WINNER: Beth Warren, Hartnell Taylor Cook

Beth Warren is focused on developing better solutions for working parents and individuals returning from parental leave.

She has taken a number of clear actions to achieve her aims, including developing a well-regarded Property Parents Networking event. This initiative provides a relaxed setting where parents can connect, share experiences and support one another. Over the past two years, the event has grown steadily, reflecting a genuine need and appreciation within the community.

Warren has also spearheaded the development and successful implementation of a comprehensive back-to-work policy at Hartnell Taylor Cook. This policy encompasses flexible working arrangements, phased return options and dedicated support resources.

The judges commented: “Beth demonstrates sector-leading innovation with her creation of Property Parents, internal policy leadership and highly scalable, replicable EDI initiatives that address a major gap for working parents in commercial real estate. Outstanding vision, execution and peer validation make this a strong entry.”

Shortlist: Carol Granocchia, Derwent Facilities Management/Derwent Students | Robert Nunn, Colliers

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EDI Champion of the Year – Financial and Professional Services

WINNER: Annelies Kruidenier, Oyster Partnership

Alongside her full-time role as a recruiter, Annelies Kruidenier dedicates her time at Oyster to empowering EDI. It was clear to the panel that she is a relentless force for equity.

Kruidenier has created a wide range of events including Make Cannes Colourful, which saw 100-plus women gather at Mipim and wear bright colours to stand out against the industry-standard blue suit. She also created The Property Catwalk – a charity fashion event at which executive directors from the industry modelled to raise money for Dress for Success.

Behind the scenes, she has helped clients embed inclusive hiring practices, built all-female finance teams from scratch and provided mentorship to junior women entering property recruitment.

The judges said: “We love that she has improved EDI not just within her firm but also for her clients, and she does a lot to organise and deliver impactful and high-profile EDI events across the industry.”

Shortlist: Tannyth Bush, BDO | Karen Clarke, CMS | Rebecca Roffe, CMS

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EDI Champion of the Year – Residential

WINNER: Jennifer Winyard, Barratt Redrow

Jennifer Winyard was national chair of Women in Property (WiP) in 2024-25 and used her platform to focus firmly on inclusion, social mobility and intersectionality.

In 2024, she led the formation of and drafted and implemented the five-year business plan (the first in WiP’s 37-year history) to ensure the organisation is current, keeps abreast of EDI initiatives and leads the way in supporting women throughout their careers through inclusive environments and a clear EDI agenda.

Winyard also spearheaded WiP’s first People-Innovation-Place Summit and was instrumental in the development of the WiP National Student Awards.

The panel agreed that Winyard’s reputation as an EDI leader is second to none and praised her focus on mentorship and a wide range of initiatives designed to elevate EDI.

They commented: “There is so much to admire here. She doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walk; she enforces it, measures it and celebrates it. She is a leading advocate for EDI.”

Shortlist: Catalina Ionita, Chapman Taylor | Jill Ju, True North Management | Sirah Parkes, SDL Surveying | Hony Premlal, Eldon Housing Association | Mo Watts, Ideal Rooms | Gemma Webb, Barratt Redrow

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EDI Programme of the Year

WINNER: Gallaway Construction

Gallaway Construction has been running its innovative Prison Leaver Programme since 2024. The programme is designed to provide ex-offenders with a pathway into the construction industry, offering training, supporting the achievement of recognised qualifications and the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and providing mentoring and employment opportunities.

The judges were pleased to see how collaborative the programme is: it partners with organisations such as Groundwork UK and Key4Life to carry out the initiative.

The project has shown demonstrable results, with Gallaway Construction working with HMP Forest Bank and the HMP Styal women’s prison to support more than 24 prison leavers, several of whom have since secured roles on Gallaway sites. The programme has provided opportunities for ex-offenders to enter the industry post-release, and the firm estimates it has delivered more than £103,000 in social value using the National Social Value Standard Framework.

The judges said: “Bold and innovative. It’s an outstanding EDI programme on all levels and a very strong contender.”

Shortlist: AtkinsRéalis | Innovus | Puma Property Finance | Uncommon

Sponsored by JLL

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EDI Team of the Year

WINNER: Innovus

The Innovus HR team is led by Samantha Redman, director of human resources. It was clear to the panel that, under her guidance, the team has driven the EDI agenda and embedded it into the business.

The past year has marked a significant step forward through the launch of Belong@Innovus, a values-driven programme designed to create a deeper sense of belonging. Central to this was Powered by Diversity, a learning initiative in which 49 Innovus managers completed a total of 735 hours of training, covering key topics such as race, neurodiversity, gender identity, religion, social mobility and inclusive hiring.

On top of this, a mental health first-aider network was built, flexible working during Ramadan was introduced, cultural and religious celebrations were acknowledged and a dedicated prayer room was created in the Luton office.

The judges highlighted: “They have created a value-driven programme that is having a meaningful impact. Deeply impressive.”

Shortlist: Puma Property Finance

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Mentor of the Year

WINNER: Tannyth Bush, BDO

The panel could see that, as a partner at BDO heading up the real estate and construction outsourcing team, Tannyth Bush uses her platform to actively mentor and sponsor others, particularly individuals from under-represented backgrounds.

Over the past year, she has dedicated more than 200 hours to people’s development and mentoring through a variety of groups, including the 30% Club, which supports senior women into leadership roles, and the CEDAR Network for ethnically diverse talent progression.

In addition to one-to-one mentoring, Bush also champions collective development by organising and speaking at EDI events such as International Women’s Day.

The panel noted some heartfelt testimonials and commented: “Despite challenges, including disability, Tannyth dedicates over 200 hours annually to mentoring diverse talents. […] Her approach bridges opportunity gaps, empowering individuals to thrive and transform their careers. She mentors with empathy, insight and a practical focus on helping individuals overcome systemic barriers.”

Shortlist: Jenny Beilby, AtkinsRéalis | Annabelle Charman, Close Brothers Property Finance | Jacqui Kantor, Walsh Associates | Audrey Klein, Spencer House Partners | Clare Parker, Innovus | Jessica Pilz, Fiera Real Estate | Emily Shearer, Introba Consulting

Sponsored by Barratt Redrow

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Returner of the Year

WINNER: Hanna Afolabi, Mood and Space

Hanna Afolabi is the founder of Mood and Space (MAS), a development consultancy focused on inclusive placemaking, and Black Women in Real Estate (BWRE), an organisation focused on elevating black women in property.

Afolabi’s actions upon her return from maternity leave seriously impressed the judging panel, and even during her leave she was profiled in Modern Women’s Top 10 Women in Property and Construction. Upon her return, she delivered BWRE’s second International Women’s Day Banquet, launched BWRE in New York, established BWRE’s inaugural advisory board and supported four black women into employment.

She also moved the needle at MAS, re-engaging with her consultancy work on affordable, sustainable homes and contributing to the delivery of thousands of homes across
east London.

The judges said: “Hanna has made a fantastic impact across the industry, not only to drive inclusive housing but also to bring greater diversity to the sector. Great demonstration of passion and impact.”

Shortlist: Lucy Johnston, Close Brothers Property Finance | Robyn Lee, HSPG | Charlotte Roberts, Bruce GIllingham Pollard

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Innovator of the Year

WINNER: Anna Harper, GreenResi

Anna Harper, now director at Pinnacle Investments, co-founded GreenResi focusing on strategic and product innovation. This year, she launched a new model: building technology and tools that allow under-resourced housing providers and investors to buy, upgrade or sell more than 200 homes a year. The project is based on the insight that the greatest opportunity – and responsibility – lies in transforming existing stock, not just building new.

The panel agreed her efforts are helping to unlock the most sustainable housing source – the homes already standing.

The judges praised her focus on building tech and tools that turn slow, manual processes into streamlined, data-backed decisions, and her repositioning of ‘retrofit, upgrade, reuse’ as a scalable, investable housing strategy.

Harper’s leadership roles at the Cambridge University Land Society and the Whitehall Group and amplification of under-represented voices through her top-ranked podcast were also applauded.

The judges said: “Great and innovative deliverables, with clear measures of success.”

Shortlist: Katherine Gunderson, Grand Bequest | Jill Ju, True North Management | Priya Rawal, The Luxury Property Forum

Sponsored by Innovus

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Leader of the Year – Financial and Professional Services

WINNER: Elizabeth Alibhai, RPC

Elizabeth Alibhai is head of real estate at RPC and steers the legal practice through some of the sector’s most complex transactions.

Her colleagues remarked on her ability to create a workspace that “enables people to thrive”.

Achievements in 2024-25 include leading the real estate team to a record year, growing its headcount and overseeing technically complex transactions. She models success for other female employees, working a four-day week championing flexible working and demonstrating authentic, inclusive leadership.

Alibhai also co-hosted a British Retail Consortium workshop on hiring prison leaver talent, building on her long-term role as the inaugural chair of the HMP Bronzefield employment advisory board.

Her leadership has helped double the number of women leaving Bronzefield prison with secure job offers.

The panel noted: “Elizabeth is raising the bar and showing others just how it can be done. A great candidate with a significant impact on RPC and more widely.”

Highly commended: Claire Sarafilovic, AtkinsRéalis

Shortlist: Alison Crawford, Watsons Property | Fran Giles, Innovus | Careen Haines, LCP, part of M Core | Amira Hashemi, Knight Frank | Kim Lalli, Charles Russell Speechlys | Sarah Milne, Puma Property Finance | Stephanie Van Der Wens, The Developers Club

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Leader of the Year – Commercial

WINNER: Petrina Austin, Tritax Management

Petrina Austin is partner and head of asset management at Tritax Management. According to Tritax, she has been at the forefront of a transformational year for the business, leading her team to deliver millions in additional rental income from asset management across its portfolio.

She has supported Tritax with significant, multi-million-pound transactions and also led on the digital transformation and integration of asset management into the firm’s investment modelling system. Austin also delivered a bespoke client engagement platform.

As one of the outnumbered women in the space, Austin also designed Tritax’s social value strategy in 2024, which focuses on education and skills-building from primary school age and up. The strategy is implemented close to Tritax assets and aims to develop a skilled, healthy and diverse future workforce.

The panel said: “We saw great testimonials that evidence her profound commitment to positive change and championing of others. She shows visionary leadership.”

Highly commended: Penny Halliday, Enfield Council

Shortlist: Najwa Jawahar, WSP | Alexandra Livesey, Clockwise Offices | Anneka Lowe, LCP, part of M Core | Anna Main, Re:volve Real Estate | Jenna Rorison, Kinexio | Emily Shearer, Introba Consulting

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Leader of the Year – Residential

WINNER: Ashling Fox, Student Roost

Ashling Fox stepped into the role of managing director at Student Roost in January 2024. The appointment saw her tasked with managing one of the largest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) providers in the UK and leading the charge in implementing a bold, visionary shift in how student living is experienced.

As part of this, Fox has developed three digital transformation platforms across Student Roost. These include an app designed to help residents engage with their environment and a sector-first maintenance platform in collaboration with Plentific to enable residents to log and track maintenance requests. She also guided Student Roost to become the first PBSA provider to roll out Student Life, a system that tracks resident wellbeing concerns and enables early intervention.

She has also focused on EDI, launching “empowerment groups” to reflect the diversity within student communities.

The judges commented: “Ashling is a bold visionary leader using technology to bring transformative change in her business as well committing to EDI.”

Highly commended: Tracy Stanton, Yugo

Shortlist: Suzanne Easby, Simplify | Verona Frankish, Yopa Property | Penny Halliday, Enfield Council | Clare Parker, Innovus | Dawn Tew, Simplify | Mo Watts, Ideal Rooms

Sponsored by Beaufort Capital

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Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiative

WINNER: Barratt Redrow

Barratt Redrow launched the policy Building without Barriers – Supporting Menopause at Work in 2022, with the aim of driving awareness of menopause and peri-menopause in the workplace and breaking down the taboos surrounding the issue.

Its health and wellbeing team collaborated with Under One Roof, its gender equality network, to raise awareness of menopause as a business-critical issue.

Key actions to drive the campaign have included celebrating World Menopause Day, involving the C-suite to normalise conversations around menopause and the development of a Menopause Hub on the company intranet, which features comprehensive support materials and access to menopause practitioners.

The panel said: “This is a really thoughtful and well-targeted initiative addressing an important but often overlooked issue in the workplace. Having senior leadership champion the programme is a great move and the resources they’ve put in place, like the Menopause Hub and manager training, feel both practical and accessible.”

Shortlist: Deeley Group | Puma Property Finance | Watsons Property

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Social Mobility Initiative

WINNER: The Valesco Group

The Valesco Group commits itself to social mobility via its charitable arm, The Valesco Foundation (TVF), which is registered with the Charity Commission and sees the group donate a portion of its profits each year.

Since 2024, TVF has driven social mobility through a range of initiatives, including becoming the first corporate donor of The 93% Club, the UK’s largest network for state-school-educated students.

It also supports the Patchwork Foundation’s Masterclass Programme, which backs 100 students from disadvantaged backgrounds to equip them with leadership and employability skills. In addition, it partners with Hand on Heart, which provides essential support for the homeless community.

Actions within the group, such as volunteer days, match-funding for employee fundraising, sponsorship of participation in charity events and provision of two charity days annually for staff to volunteer, were commended.

The judges said: “Great initiatives that are diverse and supportive to really provide inclusive and accessible ways of making a difference.”

Shortlist: Davitt Jones Bould | Montagu Evans

Sponsored by Puma Property Finance

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Next Generation Employer of the Year

WINNER: Barratt Redrow

It was clear to the panel that Barratt Redrow is committed to investing in the next generation of diverse, talented professionals.

The firm implements programmes to support a diverse range of people. Its Catalyst plan is intended to fast-track high-potential women into leadership roles – it was launched to address gender imbalance and equip female talent with the tools, mentorship and confidence needed to thrive in traditionally male-dominated roles.

Furthermore, it runs a Rising Star programme to identify and nurture female leaders across the business. And its School Outreach Programme has already reached more than one million young people, showcasing careers in property and construction in an accessible way. It is also committed to apprenticeships and scholarships and sponsors the North Star Science School, led by Professor Brian Cox.

The panel said: “A series of outstanding and thoughtful initiatives, which are supported at board level. Its robust, multi-pronged strategy shows deep commitment and is highly commendable.”

Shortlist: GoBritanya Student Accommodation

Sponsored by Puma Property Finance

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Rising Star – Commercial

WINNER: Esha Bhasin, JLL

Esha Bhasin has progressed from graduate consultant to associate director at JLL in just four years and her colleagues describe her “bold strategic vision to reshape the future of real estate for a more sustainable world”.

She is part of the COP26 High-Level Climate Champions Team and also co-authored the World Economic Forum’s Green Building Principles to guide companies on how to decarbonise buildings.

Bhasin has also created programmes to support responsible leasing and airspace development and was the recipient of the University College of Estate Management (now the University of the Built Environment) academic prize for highest performance in her MSc real estate programme.

The panel commented: “Her academic track record is incredibly impressive, with numerous prizes and awards, and she is leading from the front on how our industry plays a role in climate change. Her persistence and dedication to her work shine through and she has a bright future ahead of her. She is clearly someone who will achieve great things.”

Shortlist: Gabriella Bright, Uncommon | Natasha Dalton, The Co‑operative Group | Sophie Holmes, Pillar Consulting | Saskia Jiggens, Criterion Capital | Rebecca Lees, The Co‑operative Group | Holly Pauline, Gilead Sciences | Gurveen Rai, AtkinsRéalis | Sofi Zickerman White, LifeProven

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Rising Star – Residential

WINNER: Denise Cruz, Yugo

Denise Cruz’s focus in 2024 was to expand the Yugo Movement, which was set up to empower more than 170 students globally in sustainability, leadership and growth. In the UK, more than 75 students joined, creating a national network of changemakers.

Cruz also took ownership of Live Your Best Life, which empowers students from all backgrounds to build lifelong friendships and engage meaningfully in their communities through the YuPro, YuGrow and YugoEco pillars.

She focused on making sustainability student-led and grew the YugoEco movement significantly. Furthermore, she oversaw a huge uptick in YuPro career development events across the global portfolio. Cruz also spearheaded a campaign to tackle student loneliness.

The panel praised her as a “visionary capable of developing global and scalable solutions” and added: “Denise stands out for her strategic clarity, inclusive approach and use of both digital and in-person formats to reach and support a diverse student community.”

Shortlist: Blanca Medina, Nido Living | Martha Penney, Barratt Redrow | Priya Rawal, The Luxury Property Forum | Erica Thomson, Student Cribs

Sponsored by Paragon

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Team Leader – Commercial

WINNER: Penny Halliday, Enfield Council

Penny Halliday was recognised for her work heading up the Meridian Water team at Enfield Council, focused on urban regeneration.

The panel could see Halliday’s commitment to community engagement and consultation, ensuring that residents’ voices are heard and respected, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and transparency.

Thanks to Halliday, the team is well on the way to achieving some ambitious targets. For example, in 2024, she created hundreds of jobs and significantly improved the environmental and financial performance of 1.3m sq ft of commercial assets. She also unlocked two non-residential developments and concluded negotiations for new healthcare facilities for the community.

On top of this, she developed an event, Pitch Off, designed to empower young local start-up founders to develop their businesses and accelerate their growth.

The judges stated: “An excellent submission, heartfelt and displaying humility and pride in managing a team in relation to a project that will make a tangible impact and difference to a deprived neighbourhood.”

Shortlist: Kiren Chhoker, AtkinsRéalis | Belinda Inocco, ASK Partners | Anna Main, Re:volve Real Estate | Abigail Scope, Orega

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Team Leader – Residential

WINNER: Lara Borrett-Lynch, Foot Anstey

Lara Borrett-Lynch leads Foot Anstey’s affordable housing team and has more than 20 years of expertise in residential development, acting for housing associations, national and regional housebuilders and local authorities.

Her colleagues praise her inclusive approach and highlight that she has actively supported women into senior roles, particularly those balancing part-time work and young families. Her mentorship includes enabling two paralegals through their Chartered Institute of Legal Executives qualifications and providing invaluable personal support to team members navigating challenges.

Promoted to partner in spring 2024, Borrett-Lynch demonstrated rapid progression and within just eight months she took on oversight of the developer, asset management, planning and environment, and commercial property teams, underscoring her ability to drive impactful outcomes.

The judges noted: “Lara is a high-performing leader who’s well respected, delivering excellent client service, and clearly seems passionate about developing others. She’s strong on her cultural leadership and nurturing talent.”

Shortlist: Rachel Burrows, Simplify | Bernadette Cochonat, Unite Students | Marie‑Julie Gheysens, Ghelamco UK | Penny Halliday, Enfield Council | Rachel Hanniquet‑Brooking, Apo Group | Belinda Inocco, ASK Partners | Wendy Pretten, HSPG | Sophie Quenby, Derwent Facilities Management/Derwent Students | Holly Regan, Yopa Chester, Wirral and North Wales | Elise Street, Now Student Living

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Unsung Hero – Commercial

WINNER: Stacie Dixon-Kelly, The Co-operative Group

The panel was able to recognise Stacie Dixon-Kelly’s impact on the Co-operative Group property team and the wider property community since joining in 2023.

According to her manager, she brought with her a wealth of operational insight from her time in frontline roles and is also “relentless in her desire to learn and continuously raises the bar for collaboration, culture and kindness”.

The panel was impressed with her dedication and how she stepped in to support the team when her manager was unwell. In addition to this, Dixon-Kelly is also a key voice in the group’s internal women in property group, playing a hands-on role
in organising events and championing women in the industry. She also goes above and beyond to raise conversations about LGBTQ+ inclusion and mental health.

The judges said: “A quiet force for inclusion – actively shaping Co-op’s women in property group, championing LGBTQ+ and mental health awareness and leading with authenticity.”

Highly commended: Debbie Watson, Caddick Construction Group

Shortlist: Anna Petrides, Indurent | Claire Saunders, The Co‑operative Group | Debbie Scaife, Rapleys

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Unsung Hero – Residential

WINNER: Peta Smallman, Student Cribs

Peta Smallman is the compliance manager at Student Cribs and oversees compliance for a national portfolio of 1,220 properties and 5,271 beds across 25 cities in England and Wales, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of thousands of students.

According to Student Cribs, the portfolio she manages is highly complex and includes houses in multiple operation, school conversions, purpose-built student accommodation developments and grade II-listed buildings. Smallman has guided the portfolio to achieve 100% compliance across all certification categories.

In 2024, she launched a centralised compliance register and led a complete restructuring of how compliance was monitored, maintained and enforced, integrating AI into the function. She also developed a role-specific training matrix.

The panel said: “Peta has really shifted the dial through innovation and commitment in a complex area and a complex portfolio. She is a kind, client-focused professional with a strong personal rapport and an intuitive approach to management.”

Shortlist: Emily Aduah, StudentCrowd | Poppy Lockwood, HSPG | Ana Marques, Nido Living | Emma Tiley, HSPG | Nicola Wood, Derwent Facilities Management/Derwent Students

Sponsored by Watsons Property

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Woman of the Year – Commercial

WINNER: Renee Preston, Gallaway Construction

The panel could see that as co-director of Gallaway Construction, Renee Preston has supported the firm to deliver an excellent financial performance and worked to engender an inclusive, diverse and accountable culture.

She led commercial operations for complex projects, including the multi-million-pound live refurbishment of the grade II-listed Warrington Pyramid Arts Centre and the multi-phase conversion of the Grafton Centre in Altrincham, Manchester. Preston also developed robust internal systems for commercial reporting, carbon tracking and subcontractor engagement.

Beyond her commercial success, she spearheaded Gallaway Construction’s social programmes, championing inclusivity and opportunities for women, young people and ex-offenders through the initiatives. Preston also launched Construction For Women, the firm’s dedicated programme offering training, mentoring, placements and industry taster sessions for women.

The panel commented: “She is a strong influence in the construction industry and shows impressive, continued commitment to EDI. Her vision is clear and she is achieving great things across the sector.”

Shortlist: Magda Al-Nugaidi, Uncommon | Petrina Austin, Tritax Management | Madeleine Davitt, Davitt Jones Bould | Meenal Devani, Aprirose Real Estate Management | Katie Harley, GIA | Héloïse Hoare, Indurent | Danielle McGill, GIA | Olaide Oboh, Socius | Emily Shearer, Introba Consulting | Alison Willoughby, Colliers International

Sponsored by Knight Frank

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Woman of the Year – Residential (Consultancy/Other Services)

WINNER: Verona Frankish, Yopa Property

Verona Frankish is the first female chief executive of Yopa and, since joining the business, has been tasked with leading its transformation. Key achievements include growing the headcount for the business by a third and increasing revenue and gross profit significantly. Under her leadership, the business has also slashed its operating losses. She also chairs Women in Estate Agency, a 4,300-strong community.

In 2025, she launched Associate Yopa, a personal-branded agency model complementing Yopa’s existing franchise offering, and overhauled its mortgage broker Scout Financial Services to boost profits.

Colleagues note that she approaches her role with a blend of entrepreneurial leadership and big-business governance. While it is clear that culture is important to her, Frankish has also driven a shift towards accountability, empowerment and innovation.

The judges said: “Verona is breaking barriers for women in property, led the turnaround of Yopa and is driving an authentic, inclusive culture. Deeply impressive.”

Highly commended: Anna Harper, GreenResi

Shortlist: Rachel Asquith, AF OLIVER | Zoe Baker, Your Surveyors | Camilla Dell, Black Brick | Fiona Paré, Queensdale Residential | Clare Parker, Innovus | Jo Short, Keaze | Mo Watts, Ideal Rooms | Joanna Wojnarowska, DWF Poland Jamka

Sponsored by Knight Frank

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Lifetime Achievement

WINNER: Helen Gordon

As chief executive of the UK’s largest listed residential landlord, Grainger, since 2016, Helen Gordon is well established as one of the industry’s most well-regarded senior leaders.

The company’s achievements during her tenure to date speak for themselves, with consistent, strong growth driven by its strategy of prioritising build to rent (BTR) within the ongoing expansion of its portfolio, which is now valued at around £3.5bn and has more than 11,000 operational homes. Occupancy levels of more than 98% and impressive rental growth are testament to the firm’s continued commitment to quality.

Helen Gordon has set a new standard for gender balance at the top

Just last month, Gordon scored another achievement, overseeing the successful conversion of Grainger to REIT status. The move not only gives individuals an alternative to direct investment in buy-to-let properties; it is strongly supported by shareholders,
who will benefit from the tax efficiencies unlocked. In addition, it will support delivery of the company’s fully funded pipeline of 4,565 new homes.

The judges said their decision to select Gordon as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award was an easy one to make, praising her for “leading a great organisation with clear values and mission”.

“Helen Gordon has not only transformed Grainger into the UK’s powerhouse of BTR, but has set a new standard for gender balance at the top – the living proof that a diverse leadership team with equal representation can drive growth, innovation and social responsibility across the real estate sector,” they said.

As well as heading Grainger, Gordon is very active in the wider market, using her expertise to help the industry. She is the senior independent non-executive director of Derwent London, a non-executive director of BusinessLDN, vice-chair of the European Public Real Estate Association, a member of the New Towns Taskforce and a board member of the British Property Federation.

Before joining Grainger, Gordon, a chartered surveyor, was global head of real estate asset management at Royal Bank of Scotland.

She also previously held senior property positions at Legal & General Investment Management, Railtrack and John Laing Developments.

The judges added: “Helen has taken leadership roles historically only occupied by men and earned universal respect across the industry. An icon of how to lead by example, deliver outstanding results and be at the forefront of a market. She is a market leader, a visionary and a true role model for women across our industry.”

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