Real Estate Balance, managing director Sue Brown steps down

Sue Brown has stepped down as managing director of Real Estate Balance, a trade organisation promoting diversity and inclusion across the built environment, after six years in the role during which she has seen a 66% rise in membership.

“When I joined in April 2020, I felt strongly that the industry needed to move beyond simply replacing white middle-class men with white middle-class women”, said Brown. “I was committed to broadening our focus to include ethnicity and social mobility alongside gender. Today, Real Estate Balance has grown significantly. Our membership now includes 120 of the most influential organisations across the industry. Issues such as inclusion, representation and belonging now have far greater visibility and engagement across the sector.”

She said that there is more to do, as the organisation’s surveys continue to show that the senior leadership gender gap remains a persistent challenge, but that the industry is now fairer and more inclusive.

“It is safe and welcoming for people of all backgrounds, and one that also drives stronger commercial and financial performance at CEO level, alongside better outcomes for the communities we serve”, Brown said. “In today’s world, that feels like something we can all be proud of.”

Brown, who has had a long career in real estate is leaving for health reasons at the end of April but will continue to act as adviser to Real Estate Balance. Her replacement will be announced in due course.

“Creating inclusive cultures has been one of the most urgent and high-profile issues in our industry, and Sue has led from the front and continued to drive positive change”, said Jo Davis, Real Estate Balance.