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Savills plc announces leadership transition for Savills IM appointing Interim CEO and new Head of Client Capital

Published 16th June 2026 • 3 minute read

Author:

Jacob Berry

Jacob Berry

Head of Marketing & Communications (ex DACH)

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Savills plc has today announced that Alex Jeffrey, Chief Executive Officer of Savills Investment Management (“Savills IM”), will step back from his day-to-day management responsibilities at the end of June 2026, following a seven year tenure.  He will become Senior Advisor to Savills IM, focusing on senior client relationships and strategic expansion initiatives, supporting the leadership transition to Michael Neal who will become Interim CEO effective 1 July 2026.

 

Michael, currently Global Chief Investment Officer for Savills IM,  joined the business in January 2025 from Nuveen where he was CIO and Head of Funds Management.  He has over 30 years’ experience in Global Real Estate and has built strong relationships across Savills IM and the wider Savills Group since he joined the company in January 2025.  Michael will continue with his Global CIO responsibilities.

Savills IM has also announced today that Alex Griffiths, previously Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations at AEW Europe, will join the business in September.  Alex spent almost 13 years at AEW Europe where she led the Capital Raising and Client Relationship Management, Project Management and Investor Servicing and Marketing and Communications functions.  During her tenure, over €30bn of capital was raised for Funds, Separate Accounts, Co-investments, and Joint Ventures.

Savills IM has evolved into a globally integrated real estate investment manager over the past seven years, adding real estate debt capability through DRC Capital as well as establishing a strategic partnership with Samsung Life Insurance. During this period, new capital of £12 billion has been raised, contributing to assets under management growing by more than 40% to approximately £23 billion, despite significant volatility during that time across global real estate markets.

Simon Shaw, Group Chief Executive of Savills plc, said: “Alex has made a significant contribution to Savills IM over the past seven years, strengthening the business and expanding its global institutional investor relationships. On behalf of the Board and everyone at Savills, I would like to thank him for his leadership and we are pleased that he will continue to support the business as Senior Advisor supporting the transition to Michael Neal who, with his impressive track record, is best placed to continue the evolution of the business.”

Alex Jeffrey said: “It has been a privilege to lead Savills IM and work with such a talented global team. Over the past seven years we have transformed and strengthened the platform, expanded our investment capabilities and built a strong track record with institutional investors worldwide. The business has substantial dry powder and is well positioned for its next phase of growth. I am delighted to be passing the baton to Michael, and look forward to supporting him, the business and  its clients in my new role.”