Global real estate advisor, CBRE, has today announced the appointment of Stephen Proudley as Executive Director and Head of Northern Retail.

Stephen will be responsible for spearheading CBRE’s retail offering in the North, using his knowledge, regional expertise and extensive client relationships to further elevate CBRE’s market-leading position in the sector.

Stephen joins from Savills, where he has been a director in the retail team for over five years. Prior to this, he was Head of North West Transactional Agency at Lambert Smith Hampton following the firm’s acquisition of Tushingham Moore in 2015. Stephen was one of five equity partners at Tushingham Moore, having joined in 1997.

A recognised, leading advisor in the retail market, Stephen has advised on some of the largest occupier transactions and flagship acquisitions across the shopping centre, out-of-town and high street sectors, with clients including Primark, Next and other major retailers.

Stephen’s appointment demonstrates CBRE’s continued commitment to its retail growth strategy, following the firm’s acquisitions of UK asset management and development management firm, Sovereign Centros earlier this month, and leading independent retail and leisure property consultancy, CWM last year.

Stephen Proudley added: “It’s an exciting time to be working in the retail sector, following years of rapid change brought about by evolving consumer shopping habits and the growing demand for experience-led offerings. Activity levels are high, with occupiers seeing the true value of bricks-and-mortar stores and I’m really looking forward to joining CBRE at a time of significant opportunity.”