Middle East & Africa

Adrian Camps, FRICS

Chairman of the RICS Qatar Board

Adrian has over 40 years of property experience and is a real estate surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer who has been based in the Middle East for 15 years, with the last 10 years working in Qatar at Director level in international real estate consultancies and client companies. Adrian is a specialist in retail property and has considerable expertise in providing general real estate advice, property valuations, property research, leasing and selling and feasibility studies. He has worked at Country Director level for Colliers International, Savills, Knight Frank and Chestertons in the Gulf region.

Amit Bhamra, MRICS

Project Director, Turner & Townsend

Amit is a Project Director within Turner & Townsend and based in Qatar. Amit has over 20 years experience in the construction industry, primarily in Infrastructure related projects. Amit has been involved with the RICS for the last 4 years as part of the RICS Qatar Board, assessor, chair and a Licensed Assessor Trainer.

Maria Maximova, MRICS

Chartered Valuation Surveyor

A highly motivated and capable MRICS Chartered Valuation Surveyor with over 11 years of experience in real estate consulting and valuation across the Middle East and Russia. In addition, I have experience working on a client-side, such as master-plan developers and an institutional investor. I hold an MSc in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh and a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Level I. Most recently I have completed Dirty Money School by Transparency International. Having worked in real estate across a number of emerging markets, I have always been enthusiastic about RICS as a way to provide international standards. Since Chartered Surveyors in Qatar and the GCC, in general, are mostly valuers, I believe I can offer a fresh perspective on how to broaden the RICS membership across different pathways and in companies other than consultancies. After joining the Market Advisory Panel, I have successfully converted a number of colleagues into real estate AssocRICS candidates from backgrounds currently not represented amongst members. I am an enthusiastic supporter of the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) Qatar. Finally, I am due to deliver my third guest lecture at the Qatar University School of Engineering to the female students.

Adrian Tan MRICS

Adrian has been in Qatar since 2010 and is the current General Manager of CBM Qatar, bringing Singapore’s facilities management technology and services to its esteemed clients in Qatar. His expertise lies in determining facilities management scope of work for his client and in delivering top class quality and services to ensure operational readiness and prolonging the asset life cycle of their building assets. He is also a co-founder of the Singapore Business Council in Qatar and a registered Global Mentor under the National University of Singapore’s Global Mentorship Programme to guide the next generation of leaders. Prior to joining CBM, Adrian was a Diplomat appointed by the Singapore Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the State of Qatar. Adrian is an investor and also an advisory board member of Skydrops Sustainable Water Technologies, a sustainable water-manufacturing start-up company in Qatar specializing in extracting water from air. Apart from work, Adrian’s personal achievement includes participating in the Clippers Round-the-World Ocean Yacht Race and sees him certified in Yacht-Masters Worldwide Navigation by the British Royal Yachting Association and a successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean on a non-powered vessel. He is also an Advanced-Level PADI Diver with Nitrox Certification

Asif Rahmany AssocRICS

Asif Rahmany is a seasoned professional with nearly 3 decades of experience in the oil and gas and mining industries, having worked with renowned companies such as Shell, Eni, Kellogg Brown & Root, Rio Tinto, Qatargas, and currently serving as a Contracts Manager with CCC in Qatar. With a background in engineering, Asif brings a unique perspective to the RICS regional advisory board. Additionally, he is currently the Chair of Engineers Australia Qatar Chapter. Having worked in diverse locations including the US, UK, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, UAE, Kuwait, and Australia, Asif has a deep understanding of global industry dynamics and best practices. His dedication to promoting excellence and fostering strategic partnerships in these sectors is evident in his track record of successful projects and collaborations. Through his role on the RICS regional advisory board, Asif is committed to leveraging their experience and insights to drive positive change, enhance standards, and contribute to the growth and development of the industry. His professionalism, leadership skills, and commitment to integrity make him a valuable asset to the board and the broader industry community

Daryl Irvine MRICS

Daryl has over a decade of experience in the construction industry between the UK and the Middle East. He specialises in leading teams, managing contracts, and resolving disputes. As a Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS), a Chartered Construction Manager (MCIOB), and Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb), his expertise encompasses pre-contract and post-contract management, dispute resolution, and cost control to ensure projects are profitable and delivered on schedule. His unique approach to deriving data-driven insights has proven effective in navigating data heavy challenges on the construction site and untangling complex disputes to facilitate a clear platform for parties to negotiate successfully. In his roles as a Qatar Advisory Board Member for the RICS, a Member Engagement Committee Member for the CIOB and as the Qatar Hub Committee Vice Chair for the CIOB, Daryl has been instrumental in strategic planning, providing governance and oversight, and advocating for the construction profession on both a global and local level. His contributions include taking a proactive lead in the decision-making processes that shape the strategic direction of these organisations, promoting their respective missions and values in the construction industry, and leveraging his professional network to forge lasting partnerships and opportunities for collaboration.

Denis Borisenko MRICS

Commercial Asset Manager, Qatari Diar

Denis is a Commercial Asset Manager at Qatari Diar, previously having worked in Canada, Spain and Latvia. Denis is a seasoned professional with 20+ years of experience in real estate asset management, investment, and management consulting. He holds an MBA from Ivey and a MSc in Finance.

Martin Campbell MRICS

Director, Mosanada Facilities Management Services

Based in Qatar for over ten years Martin has over 35 years’ experience in construction and maintenance, specialising in Facilities Management (FM). Martin has become a ‘go to’ person for FM Consultancy and advice in Qatar, and takes a keen interest in the development of Sustainable solutions’, recently developing the FM strategy for the FIFA 2022 World Cup Facilities. He has a MBA from Strathclyde University Business School, is a Chartered Construction Manager (MCIOB), a Chartered Facilities Management Surveyor (MRICS), and a Certified Member of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (CIWFM). With Mosanada FMS, Martin is responsible for driving change, both from a strategic and a Business Development perspective. He is responsible for all compliance functions and supports business operations by finding efficiencies to support business continuity and growth. He has a particular interest and understanding of organisational culture and leadership, has led on many large scale bid opportunities and developed strong financial management skills whilst managing contracts.

Sophie Msolomba MRICS

Sophie is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with over 15 years’ experience supporting real estate projects across hospitality, residential, industrial, retail and healthcare and commercial sectors. Her experience covers projects in Africa and the Middle East for both private and public stakeholders. Sophie is involved in supporting APC candidates within the Middle East region and is an RICS assessor.

Zorica Zeremski MRICS

Zorica Zeremski, MRICS, is an Associate at PCC AECOM, an active RICS-approved APC Chair, and a RICS APC Auditor. Zorica has 25 years of international cost management expertise, including positions in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Qatar. Her experience includes all aspects of pre- and post-contract cost management, leading and managing culturally diverse commercial teams, and serving in strategic advisory roles for clients on numerous projects across various industry sectors, including infrastructure, airports, defence, mixed-use, residential, commercial, and industrial. Zorica's dedication to fostering a collaborative and transparent environment while maintaining integrity is not just a personal goal but a recognised achievement. Her commitment to advancing quality standards and ethics was honoured by both the client and AECOM, who submitted her for a Silver Quality Exemplar Award for her work delivered on the high-profile defence project. This recognition serves as a testament to her expertise and dedication. Zorica's role as a mentor is not just a job but a passion. She is a strong advocate for RICS standards and APC criteria and dedicates her time to assisting new construction professionals in their journey to become RICS members. Her knowledge, experience, and advice have been invaluable to young graduates and members of the professional communities in Qatar.

Laeeq Hassan

MSc (QS), FRICS

Laeeq is the Chair of KSA Advisory Board. He is working as an Associate Director with Mace Arabia on one of the landmark projects in Riyadh. Laeeq has a robust experience of 27 years in Pakistan, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Since 2014, Laeeq has been practising in Saudi Arabia.

Saleem Inamdar

MRICS

Saleem is the KSA Board Member. He is working with Faithful+Gould as a Director, Head of Commercial Operations, KSA Saleem has been working last 11 years in KSA and he has a total of 29 years of experience in the UK and KSA.

Ayo Ajayi MRICS

Ayo is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and currently holds the position of Director at WT Partnership, leveraging seven years of prior leadership experience in well-established companies. With an impressive 17-year career in the industry, Ayo has excelled in delivering cost management services across a spectrum of complex and prestigious projects in both the Residential and Commercial sectors. His professional journey includes extensive work across Europe, where Ayo has played a pivotal role in delivering projects for major digital and tech companies. Additionally, he has collaborated with both public sector entities and private developers on regeneration schemes, contributing to innovative design solutions and frameworks that shape contemporary spaces. Ayo has a passion for inspiring and supporting the next generation, helping to provide a platform for them to build successful careers in the built environment. Ayo has previously served as a member of the Mayor of London Infrastructure Advisory Board, Governor at the University of Westminster and is a an RICS APC Assessor. Ayo also chairs the Advisory board for the Land Collective, a not-for-profit award winning platform which bridges the gap between young people from diverse backgrounds and the built environment sector by empowering and connecting aspiring professionals.

Babar Zaheer Arshad MRICS

Babar is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Chartered Construction Manager working for Rua Al Madinah Holding, developing 47000 Hotel keys near Holy Mosque in Madinah, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Babar comes with the worth of 17 years of Quantity Surveying experience on large scale construction projects. Prior to joining Rua Al Madinah, Babar has strong and valuable experience of working in the likes of Mace Arabia for Engineering Consultancy and El-Seif Engineering Contracting Company on their different Projects Kingdom wide. Currently based in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, Babar has Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying and Construction Management from Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom. Babar is an active RICS Counselor, an Assessor, mentoring and motivating tens of young Surveyors in his connection to become future Chartered Surveyors. He is also a speaker and has delivered lectures in various Webinars and Seminar on the topics related to Commercial and Contracts. Babar supports sustainability and is working towards increasing the numbers of young Saudi Chartered Quantity Surveyors in the field.

Edward Sanders BSc(Hons) MRICS FIWFM

Managing Director MENA, Land Sterling

Edward is an accomplished Chartered Building Surveyor and a Fellow of IWFM, with a proven track record of over 25 years in Real Estate and Facilities Management expertise and leadership. Emanating from the UK, Edward has professionally worked internationally and regionally, including the UK, Hong Kong, Asia Pacific, Australasia, Algeria, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, and naturally, KSA. Working with, and for, global and regional big named developers, operators, clients and consultants, Edward contributes tangible value, and specialist support, providing project ROI and raising of standards. Edward is now the Managing Director, MENA, for Land Sterling, a regional strategic partner and consultancy in real estate. Enthused by sustained improvement and positive change, Edward is keen to continue lifting the RICS’s support of KSA market professionals and clients alike. Edward’s insights into the MENA region and KSA’s real estate landscape, and his advocacy for sustainable development balanced with the right commercials, underscore his commitment to advancing the profession.

Dr Maged Swelam FRICS

Equipped with 24 years of progressive experience in engineering, management and operations, Dr. Swelam is strategic, highly analytical, performance-driven and results-oriented inspirational leader armed with an entrepreneurial attitude and extensive geographic experience in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe with emphasized experience with public and private sectors projects in Operations and Delivery of Projects, with emphasis on Conflict Avoidance & Disputes Resolutions, with a recognized track of development and implementation of complex projects including but not limited to infrastructure, irrigation and water structure, multi-mixed-use real estate developments, hotels, commercial centers, airports, museums heritage projects, and office buildings projects.

Mohammed Moussa MRICS

Moussa is a seasoned cost and commercial management professional and has been a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors since 2016. He is currently overlooking the cost and commercial aspects of a portfolio of ~ SAR 5.5 billion worth of heritage and culture projects in the heart of the very vibrant city of Riyadh. Moussa has gained extensive experience in the fields of Pre and Post Contract Cost and Commercial Management, Procurement & Sourcing and Contracts Management working for some of the region’s top Consultants, Developers and Clients operating in the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East. He gained experience in residential, retail, infrastructure, hospitality and leisure and entertainment sectors in addition to heritage and culture experience. Moussa takes interest in sustainability, smart cities and people focused design and believes in the active role of the RICS in supporting such practices within the built environment and equipping the future and current generation of professionals with the necessary skills and understanding to help them contribute positively to this through their practice of surveying.

Rudo Melissa Zhanda DBA Can, MBA, MSc, BSc (Hons), BSc, FRICS, PMP, PrQS, M.Inst.D, SCE

Rudo is a Commercial Management Professional with over 18 years of experience. She is a Fellow of RICS (FRICS) and is a Project Management professional (PMP). She served as a Non-Executive Member of the RICS Qatar Regional Advisory Board and is an RICS Fellowship Counsellor, Member of the Fellowship Assessment Panel, RICS APC Counsellor and a PMP Mentor. She attained an MSc (Cum Laude) in Business and Management Research from Henley Business School in the United Kingdom. She holds an MBA from Stellenbosch Business School and is currently in the final year of a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree at Henley Business School. Rudo’s technical, managerial, and advisory prowess has led to the successful delivery of major strategic, infrastructure and real estate projects in Africa, Middle East and the Pacific ranging from $2million-$100billion in value. She played a key role in project and commercial management for large hospitality, residential, retail and infrastructure projects. She has led large multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Vison 2030 Giga Projects, Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 and key developments in the South African private and public sector.

Ahmed Ashraf Anwar, MRICS

Managing Director, AAA Consultancy

Ahmed is the Chair of the Egypt Market Advisory Panel and is the Managing Director of AAA Consultancy, a company he started in 2012, being the first local regulated surveying firm in Egypt. A chartered construction / quantity surveyor and member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) with twenty years of experience in construction / cost consultancy and quantity surveying. He also holds an accredited MBA degree in Finance & Investment. For the last 10 years, Ahmed has been representing the RICS in the Egyptian market as a pioneer surveying entrepreneur, establishing the first RICS regulated national practice, and being board member of the MENA Construction Working Group and Cost Prediction Professional Statement Working Group. Ahmed has been a Board Member of the RICS QS/Construction Professional Group, a group reporting to RICS Director concerned with all issues related to the construction industry in the region. Ahmed has also been part of the committee producing one of RICS’ latest published professional statements, The Global Cost Prediction professional statement 1st edition.

Amr Saleh, MRICS

Amr Saleh is an expert in construction contracts and claims with more than 22 years of experience in the construction industry. Amr began his career in 2000 after completing his study of Architecture. In 2006 Amr began studying contracts and law at the American University in Cairo and completed CLAC programme. In 2008 Amr moved to the position of a site contract administrator with one of Bechtel affiliated companies in Egypt where he spent 7 years as client representative in power plant projects. In 2015 Amr Joined Hassan Allam Construction, one of the top construction firms in the Middle East in Egypt. He serves now as head of claims at Hassan Allam Construction. Amr has a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. He is a certified project management professional (PMP) and a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS).

John Refaat, MRICS

Director, Gleeds, Egypt

John is the Director of Gleeds Egypt, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS), a member of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb), and a member of the Egyptian Engineering Syndicate. He possesses over 20 years of international experience in the field of project management, cost management and dispute resolution on high profile projects within large developers, cost consultants, and first tier contractors at senior/managerial level in the MENA region. John has experience working in various sectors such as mixed-use development, residential, commercial, retail, educational, hospitality, healthcare and industrial. This involves both ground-up construction and fit-out. John is a Board Member on the RICS Egypt Market Advisory Panel. John is also supporting the RICS by acting as Assessor and Counsellor for candidates in Africa and the Middle East.

Dr Tarek Madany, MRICS

Managing Director, GAT

Dr Tarek Madany BEng, MRICS, FTAQEEM, FRA, CBE, PMP, CVA, MBA, DBA is Managing Director at Global Appraisal Tech (GAT) and is a RICS Registered Valuer, CBE & FRA Senior Licensed Asset Appraiser. With over 17 years of experience, Dr Tarek has worked in Consulting, Business Development, Valuation, and Project Management for several multinationals and consulting firms. Utilising a solid engineering foundation and an aptitude for business and strategy. He is now the managing director at Global Appraisal Tech (GAT), one of Egypt's top asset valuation firms, leading teams in real estate appraisals, machinery and equipment valuation, project management and feasibility studies. Under his direction, GAT has appraised hundreds of projects. Some were development, commercial, residential, plant and equipment assets, and operating hotels, hospitals, factories, and more. Dr Tarek is a member of the RICS MEA World Regional Board and the RICS Egypt Market Advisory Panel. He is a Faculty Trainer for valuation courses in the RICS Academy, a councillor, and an assessor for the RICS APC. Dr Tarek is also an Adjunct Professor at the American University in Cairo (AUC), teaching courses in Valuation, Inspection, Building Pathology, Ethics, Strategic Real Estate Management and more.

Dr Kareem Zahran

Executive Cost Manager, Gleeds

Kareem is an Executive Cost Manager at Gleeds. He has been working with several international construction consultancy companies over the past 15 years. His expertise resides in cost estimation, risk assessment, value engineering, project management and cost analysis and benchmarking. Kareem has a diverse experience in the construction market within different sectors such as residential, hospitality, retail, mixed-use development, education, industrial and infrastructure. Kareem has obtained a Master of Science degree (MSc) and a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) in construction management, specializing in cost optimization and construction finance from the American University in Cairo (AUC). He has twelve publications in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. Kareem has been teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in the fields of risk management, engineering economics and construction finance.

Amelia Beattie FRICS

Chief Executive, Liberty Two Degrees (part of the Standard Bank Group)

With extensive experience spanning 25 years in the Property and Asset management industry, Amelia Beattie is the Chief Executive of Liberty Two Degrees which manages South Africa's most iconic assets, namely Sandton City, Eastgate Shopping Centre and Nelson Mandela Square among others. In 2023 under Amelia's leadership, L2D was featured in the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies list, which acknowledges listed companies that have earned the highest returns for their shareholders over the past five years. The company now form part of the Standard Bank Group. Passionate about property for the difference that it makes in people's lives and to the broader economy, she has served the industry over the years in various industry bodies including SAPOA, SA REIT Association and the Women’s Property Network (WPN). Amelia has been involved in various education initiatives within the SAPOA and WPN Trusts and is a founding member of the WITS University Industry Advisory Board of the School of Construction Economics and Management. She is also the chairman of the Bokamoso Education Trust. She was awarded Top Women in Property for 2023 by the Standard Bank Top Women Awards, and was among the first 50 women CEOs to be identified and selected as part of the Africa.com Definitive List of Women CEOs, leading corporate Africa in 2021.

Mark Latham FRICS

Principal & Executive Head , Avison Young

Mark is responsible for Avison Young’s operations in South and sub-Saharan Africa, Avison Young is a subsidiary of Eris Property Group in South Africa and is the affiliate of the global real estate service provider Avison Young in the region. Mark has over 30 years of real estate experience specialising in transaction management and strategic advisory and has represented the interests of some of the world’s largest occupiers and investors during his career throughout Africa and Asia. Establishing, growing and managing businesses on behalf of CBRE, Colliers International and Savills in South Africa China, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Mark brings a deep understanding of working in local and global real estate markets, and an ability to navigate complex real estate projects and environments to deliver outstanding results to both the private and public sectors. Mark is a Fellow of the RICS and has been a member since 2007.

Nyasha Yvonne Mpemba MRICS PrCPM PMP

Programme and Project Manager

Nyasha Yvonne Mpemba is an accomplished Programme and Project Manager with 15 years of experience in the Built Environment sector. She specialises in Infrastructure Development, Construction, Project and Programme Management, Quantity Surveying, and Information Technology. Throughout her career, Nyasha has held key management roles, delivering tailored business solutions in sectors such as Local Government, Corporate Real Estate, Rail, Mining and Banking. Nyasha is known for driving project success with a strong focus on service delivery. Her exceptional relationship-building skills foster collaboration across organisations and teams. She holds professional credentials as a registered Professional Construction Project Manager, Chartered Surveyor and Project Management Professional (PMP). Beyond her professional achievements, Nyasha is dedicated to mentorship, especially for young women and girls. She has served as an Assessment of Professional Competency (APC) Assessor for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Nyasha is also a member of the University of Cape Town’s Construction Economics and Management Department Advisory Board. She holds a Master’s degree in Project Management from the University of Cape Town, combining theoretical knowledge with practical expertise to achieve excellence in every endeavour.

Dr. Charles Muzi Nsibande FRICS

MSc(Building), PGDip(Property), BSc(Science), Principal Bogoje Properties

Charles is the principal of Bogoje Properties, a private real estate practice based in South Africa but working across the SADC region. Charles is a Chartered Surveyor(FRICS) as well as a Chartered Builder(MCIOB). He is also registered to practice as a property valuer in South Africa and other regional countries. Charles has over twenty four years practice experience in the region. He has worked for various companies in the region, from insurance, banking, consulting, municipal government to construction. Charles studied Science, Engineering, Real Estate and Finance at various universities across the globe, including the University of Swaziland, London South Bank University, University of Witwatersrand, the University of Reading, as well as Salford University. He holds a doctorate in the built environment. Charles' hobbies include research, writing books and academic articles, reading on different subjects and matters, and watching all kinds of sports. He has published widely in the industry. He also enjoys sightseeing and photography.

Sanett Uys MRICS

Owner of Serendipityremix

With 27 years of experience in property, Sanett has an extensive background in various sectors of the industry, including management, leasing, due diligence, valuations, economics, and research. Sanett’s main area of expertise is asset management and all aspects of property research, and she enjoys exploring the relationships between unlocking property values and implementing basic property fundamentals. She believes that property fundamentals and research-led decision-making are key to bridging the gap between landlords' and tenants’ expectations and that there is an opportunity for small-town sustainability, development and revitalisation of South African CBDs’. Sanett introduced new research concepts in the South African property industry and is doing due diligence work for various portfolios, building condition assessments and new concept focus groups at shopping centres. Sanett’s property research career started at Rode & Associates in 1997 and continued at Colliers International, Broll Property Group and Excellerate Valuation Services, but in 2016, she started her own company, Serendipityremix. As of April 2024, Sanett is Advisory Services Head of Division at Afroteq Advisory. Sanett has a Bachelor’s in Commerce (Business & Logistics), University of Stellenbosch, Honours in Business Administration, University of Stellenbosch and a master’s in Business Administration (MBA), University of Stellenbosch. She is a Professional Member of The Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors (RICS), a member of the Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) and a registered Principal property practitioner at the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA), while maintaining her memberships with the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and South Africa Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC).

Dorothy Natukunda

Chair of the Board

Dorothy Natukunda is a Chartered Valuation Surveyor and a Registered Surveyor of Uganda with over a decade of experience in real estate valuation across Government and the private sector. As a Principal Government Valuer within the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development in Uganda, she supervises critical infrastructure projects for national development, participates in policy formulation, and land resource administration. With this experience she brings in-depth understanding of the intricacies involved in large-scale valuations and technical capacity building to ensure timely and reliable valuations. Dorothy holds a Master of Science in Real Estate from the Henley Business School, University of Reading, UK, and a Bachelor of Science in Land Economics (First Class Honours) from Kyambogo University. She is currently pursuing the Global Online MBA at the prestigious Warwick Business School. Dorothy's leadership style is characterized by a commitment to ethical practices, an unwavering dedication to public service and sustainable development. Her approach is collaborative, fostering a culture of learning and knowledge sharing which has made her a sought-after mentor for upcoming professionals. Her vision extends beyond her immediate professional responsibilities to include contributions to the broader discourse on land policy and real estate development in Uganda and beyond.

Stuart Teare MRICS

Associate Director, Turner & Townsend

Stuart Teare is a chartered quantity surveyor with 13 years of experience working in the UK, Middle East and Africa. Stuart has experience across a wealth of sectors including office, hi-tech, mixed-use and residential supporting from concept to completion. He has worked in varying roles across these projects including contract administration duties and being embedded into the Client’s organisation; his willingness to understand the nuances of each stakeholder has led to successful and collaborative teams into meeting common objectives and goals. He is a strong advocate for RICS standards and consistency and has supported numerous candidates through the RICS process. His global experience brings a unique perspective on best practice and aims to promote growth of the profession across an emerging and developing region.

Mercy Thuo MRICS

Group Head of Projects & Transaction Advisory Services, CPF Group

Mercy has 15 years’ experience in the built environment, having worked in various senior positions within the property, banking, and pensions sectors. She currently serves on the Board of Laser, the property arm of CPF Group (the largest pension administrator in Kenya). Mercy also oversees the group’s projects and transaction advisory business and is a member of Laser’s Business Strategy and Innovations Committee. She is a chartered surveyor and registered Valuer with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), licensed valuer and estate agent with the Valuers Registration Board and Estate Agents Registration Board of Kenya respectively, a member of the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya, Project Management Institute, Women in Real Estate, and has been gazetted by the Government as a stamp duty valuer in private practice. Mercy holds an MSc. in real estate from the UK, and a bachelor’s degree in land economics from the University of Nairobi. Mercy served on a committee that tabled detailed proposals on Kenya’s affordable housing agenda and was part of the team that organized the first affordable housing conference in 2021. She is a nominee of the 2021 Kenya women in real estate (WIRE) legends and Leaders awards and was featured by RICS in the 2023 member spotlight. She has undertaken Corporate Governance trainings and is certified with the Institute of Directors of Kenya (IOD).

Vivian Ombwayo MRICS

Vivian Ombwayo is a highly experienced Chartered Surveyor with over 12 years of expertise in the real estate industry. Her dedication to optimizing property portfolios, promoting sustainable development, and providing impactful solutions is unmatched. Vivian's contributions have been widely recognized, as she was a finalist for the Young Property Person of the Year Award by API and the First Runner Up for the Young Property Professional of the Year by Property Awards Kenya. These prestigious accolades showcase her commitment to excellence and her ability to stay ahead of industry trends. Vivian holds an MSc. in Property Investment from the University of Reading, UK, and a BA in Land Economics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. She is an active member of professional committees and associations, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya, the Kenya Property Developers Association (KPDA) Affordable Housing Task Force, and the REITs Association of Kenya (RAK). Vivian's involvement in these organizations highlights her dedication to the growth and development of the real estate industry. With her deep understanding of the market and her commitment to excellence, she is a valuable asset to the industry and a trusted professional in navigating the complexities of real estate.

Mary Kaaria, MRICS

Manager - Administration & Property, Kenya Power & Lighting Company PLC

Mary Kaaria is a Chartered Facilities Management Surveyor and Land Economist with over two decades of experience across banking and energy institutions in both private and public sectors. An adept Corporate Real Estate Manager, she has held senior leadership roles and managed numerous projects including expansions and transitions, policy review and process re-engineering. Has contributed in a wide range collaborations on workplace solutions, sustainability and ESG engagements and initiatives. Mary is the head of Administration & Property at Kenya Power & Lighting Co, where she oversees a diverse real estate portfolio that supports energy transmission, distribution, and retail nationwide. Previously, she was the Chief Administration Officer at Kenya Electricity Generation Company (KenGen), Facilities Manager at NIC Bank (now NCBA) and held various positions at Co-operative Bank of Kenya. Mary is a doctoral researcher at the University of Reading (UK), School of Built Environment, focusing on emerging office work practices and workplace setups. She holds a Master of Arts in Valuation and Property Management from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Facilities Management from the College of Estate Management (UK). Is an RICS counsellor and mentors professionals in the built environment.