Savills plc today announced that Alex Jeffrey, Chief Executive Officer of Savills Investment Management (Savills IM), will step down from his operational management duties at the end of June 2026 after seven years in this role. He will serve as a Senior Advisor to Savills IM, focusing on overseeing key client relationships and strategic expansion initiatives. As part of this leadership transition, Michael Neal will assume the role of interim CEO on July 1, 2026.
Michael Neal, currently Global Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Savills IM, joined Savills IM in January 2025 from Nuveen, where he served as CIO and Head of Funds Management. With more than 30 years' experience in the international real estate business, he has extensive industry expertise and has built strong relationships within Savills IM and the wider Savills Group since joining in January 2025. He will continue in his role as Global CIO.
Savills IM also announced today that Alex Griffiths will join the company in September. Most recently, she served as Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations at AEW Europe. In her almost 13 years at AEW Europe, she led the areas of Capital Raising, Client Relationship Management, Project Management, Investor Services as well as Marketing and Communications. Under her leadership, more than 30 billion euros in capital commitments were raised for funds, individual mandates, co-investments and joint ventures.
Over the past seven years, Savills IM has developed into a global and integrated real estate investment manager. The range of services was expanded by DRC Capital's real estate debt expertise and a strategic partnership with Samsung Life Insurance was established. In addition, capital commitments of GBP 12 billion were raised. As a result, assets under management increased by more than 40 per cent to around GBP 23 billion – despite the considerable volatility on the international real estate markets during this period.
Simon Shaw, Group Chief Executive of Savills plc, said: "Alex Jeffrey has made a significant contribution to the development of Savills IM over the past seven years. He has strengthened the company and expanded relationships with institutional investors worldwide. On behalf of the Board of Directors and all employees of the Savills Group, I would like to thank him for his commitment. We are pleased that he will continue to accompany Savills IM as a Senior Advisor and support the transition to Michael Neal. With his impressive track record, Michael Neal is uniquely positioned to drive the company's further development."
Alex Jeffrey, adds: "It has been a privilege to lead Savills IM and work with such a talented global team. Over the past seven years, we have successfully transformed and strengthened the platform, expanded our investment capabilities and built a strong track record with institutional investors worldwide. The company has significant capital commitments and is excellently positioned for its next phase of growth. I am thrilled to pass the baton to Michael Neal and support him, the company and our customers in my new role."
