Landmark Properties, one of the leading real estate firms in the Middle East, has announced the appointment of Charles Neil as its new chief executive officer.

Bringing to his new role more than 25 years of experience in the Middle East market, Charles will be responsible for the continuous shaping of Landmark’s position as one of the market leaders, while also continuing to lead Landmark Advisory and maintain the company’s vision and strategy in his existing role as CEO, said a company statement.

'Charles has already spent a year and a half as CFO of Landmark Properties and CEO of Landmark Advisory, and has an excellent track record of working in both the public and private sectors in the Middle East,' said Rasha Nashaat, chairman of the Board, Landmark Properties.

'Along with a demonstrated dedication to excellence in customer service, his direction will enable Landmark Properties to expand its Property Management and Valuation services while at the same time continuing to serve and meet the demand and expectations of its core business of sales and leasing,' he added.

As CEO, Charles will focus on customer service during the next year to ensure that Landmark Properties sets high industry standards. As part of this, he will head ongoing training of the Property Consultants to guarantee that all agents are up-to-date on current market knowledge in order to  correctly educate and advise all Landmark clients.

As CEO of Landmark Advisory, the real estate’s sister consultancy firm, Charles will continue to overlook the Advisory team and their market reports which have fueled greater transparency in the real estate market.

“I am looking forward to taking over as CEO at this point in time when the real estate market in the UAE is beginning to stabilise and transform into an established market which will lead to many opportunities for Landmark Properties and its customers to benefit from the changes that are taking place in the sector,” remarked Neil.

Charles joined Landmark in 2008 following a successful tenure with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

In addition to being one of the original executives recruited to found the DIFC, Charles held a number of executive posts including Director of Special Projects (Legal), Commissioner for Data Protection and Commissioner for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism.

Prior to his role with the DIFC, Charles held positions at Emirates Bank International, Dubai; and Lloyds Bank (International) in Dubai, Uruguay, Guatemala and Argentina.-TradeArabia News Service