New branch manager at Sterling Estate Agents
Sterling Estate Agents has appointed David Mendel as branch manager at its Kings Langley office.
Mendel has experience working in prime Central London estate agency and has previously managed offices for two corporate brands. His role has included working with high-net-worth clients and overseeing residential sales.
The company has also appointed Hannah Brown as a sales and lettings negotiator at the Kings Langley office. Brown has a background in hospitality and will support the sales and lettings team covering Kings Langley, Abbots Langley, Watford and surrounding areas.
RICS inaugurates president for 2026
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has inaugurated its 144th president, Nick Maclean.
In his inaugural address in Westminister, the RICS president set out an ambitious vision for the Institution, centred on education, influence and confidence as the guiding priorities of his presidency. Reflecting on RICS’ recent period of reform and recovery, he highlighted the organisation’s renewed strength, resilience and readiness to play an even more significant role in shaping the built and natural environment for the public advantage.
Speaking to members and guests, the president reaffirmed RICS’ long-standing mission to advance knowledge and uphold professional standards, placing particular emphasis on widening access to the surveying profession, strengthening educational pathways, and ensuring that RICS qualifications remain the global gold standard.
He also underlined RICS’ responsibility to be at the heart of public policy and regulatory decision-making, noting the depth of expertise held by its 144,000 members operating across 76 countries, and the Institution’s ambition to act as a trusted advisor to governments and regulators worldwide.
Finally, the president emphasised the importance of confidence – amongst members, staff, stakeholders and the public – grounded in integrity, professionalism and service to the public good, values that continue to define RICS as more than a professional body, but an institution with a clear civic purpose.
Alongside the inauguration, a presidential team manifesto was launched. Titled Together Towards Tomorrow, the manifesto outlines several key goals for 2026:
+ Enhancing RICS’ influence with governments, regulators and key decision-makers
+ Closing skills gaps through collaboration between industry, academia and policymakers
+ Championing digital transformation, innovation and sustainability across the built and natural environment
+ Strengthening member engagement, diversity and global relevance
Maclean said: “It is a distinct honour to become president of RICS for 2026. I am equally honoured to be joined by an excellent presidential team in the form of Maureen Ehrenberg and Susanne Eickermann-Rieppe, who shall serve as President Elect and Senior Vice President, respectively.
“Our team is committed to delivering our five strategic objectives: creating enriching experiences for all members; attracting and retaining a diverse membership; empowering members with relevant skills and capabilities; upholding confidence in the profession; and strengthening RICS’ global leadership, expertise and influence.
“I look forward to meeting many more of our members across the UK and the globe this year, and I encourage everyone to read and engage with Together Towards Tomorrow, our keystone document for 2026.”
Derwent London chief executive stepping down
Derwent London has announced that Paul Williams has informed the board of his intention to retire as chief executive and director of the company.
Paul will remain in his role until his successor is in place at which point he will step down from the Board.
Paul’s career at Derwent began shortly after the Company was founded in 1984. He was appointed as an Executive Director in 1998, with responsibility for leasing, asset management and development, and subsequently became Chief Executive in 2019.
A thorough process to appoint a successor, led by the Chairman Mark Breuer, will commence immediately.
Mark Breuer, Chairman, commented:
“I would like to thank Paul for his dedication and commitment over the last 38 years. During his distinguished career, including his tenure as Chief Executive, he has made an outstanding contribution to Derwent London. With its market leading position, ongoing commitment to capital recycling and significant development pipeline, Derwent London is well placed to create significant value for shareholders.”
Paul Williams, Chief Executive, said:
“It has been a huge privilege to have been part of the Derwent story and to have had the opportunity to lead the business over the last six years. I am very proud of what we have achieved, positioning the business with world class assets in prime locations across London, attracting sustained and strong occupational demand. I would like to thank my fellow directors and all the team for their continued hard work and support. I remain fully focused on driving the performance of the business until my successor is in place.”
Information equivalent to that required under section 430(2B) of the UK Companies Act 2006 will be made available on the Company’s website at the time Paul Williams steps down from the Board and in the Company’s 2025 Directors’ Remuneration Report.
Comings & Goings
