Leading real estate asset and investment manager AEW Europe has appointed Patrick Meutermans (pictured) as Head of Belgium and the Netherlands, as the firm continues to expand its presence in the two markets.
The appointment follows AEW Europe’s acquisition of the Celsius Portfolio in July, which includes ownership of the Waasland retail centre and a 50 per cent stake in the Wijnegem shopping centre, two of Belgium’s largest retail destinations.
Meutermans, who has over 15 years’ property industry experience, is a board member of the Belgium Real Estate Society, holds a BREEAM licence and has been a RICS member and assessor since 2007. He also holds Master’s Degrees in Constructional Engineering and Real Estate from the University of Antwerp.
Prior to joining AEW Europe he was Country Manager and member of the European Management and Retail Boards at CBRE Global Investors. In this capacity he was responsible for the management of €1.5 billion of assets, which included the two Belgian assets within the Celsius portfolio.
In his new role Meutermans will be responsible for spearheading AEW Europe’s growth in Belgium and the Netherlands, alongside the management of the firm’s existing €1 billion portfolio in the two countries.
Rob Wilkinson – Chief Executive Officer of AEW Europe commented: “AEW Europe has been undergoing significant growth over recent years and Patrick will further strengthen our European platform, while at the same time, allowing us to ensure there is continuity of management for the two largest assets within the Celsius portfolio.
“It also underlines our ambition to develop our business in these two important markets. I am therefore delighted to welcome Patrick to AEW Europe and I look forward to working with him in the future.”
Patrick Meutermans added: “I am delighted to be joining AEW Europe at such an exciting time. As the business continues to expand I hope to further develop the firm’s presence in these strategic markets.”
