Strategic real estate advisor Avison Young has announced Wesley Thomson has joined the firm as Director of ESG, UK & Europe, to lead ESG strategy in the region.

Wesley is an internationally accredited sustainability & technology expert. Drawing on over 16 years of experience in the energy & sustainability sector with a strong track record of driving business growth across global markets, Wesley will lead Avison Young’s UK and European ESG and sustainability consultancy services, providing strategic advice to real estate investors, lenders and occupiers in areas of sustainable investment, ESG strategy, risk and resiliency.

Joining from JLL, Wesley was most recently Senior Director within the Energy & Sustainability Solutions team, responsible for the EMEA region. Previously, he was Senior Director at public sector consultancy Guidehouse, and Managing Director of Thomson International, a boutique ESG sustainability consulting firm.

Wesley will be working closely with Jon Gibson, Principal and Global Director of ESG to increase cross-border synergies and drive Avison Young’s growth worldwide. The company’s ambition is to provide best in class ESG-related services to support clients in realising their own goals for a more resilient, productive and equitable built environment.

His appointment builds on the company’s strengthening of global strategies and programs, including investment and commitments around climate change, DEI and social impact, such as aligning its strategy to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and becoming members of the World Economic Forum.

Wesley said: “The pressure on real estate to become a frontrunner of ESG is mounting – and rightly so. It’s an exciting time to join Avison Young and work alongside the existing teams and experts to transform the way the industry does business, to help clients achieve their goals and futureproof their business strategies, mitigate risk and realise the benefits of a transition to a zero-carbon future.”

Jon Gibson, Avison Young, commented:
“ESG and sustainability practices remain top-of-mind for owners, occupiers and employees. Avison Young is grounded in our belief of the positive impact real estate can make in people’s lives and I am proud of the work we do on behalf of our clients to improve the sustainability and resilience of businesses, economies and communities. It is energising to see the investment Avison Young is making into this area and I look forward to working with Wesley to further strengthen our ESG consultancy in the UK and Europe.”

Jason Sibthorpe, Principal and President UK, Avison Young, added:
“It is a great pleasure to be welcoming Wesley to the firm, where he will no doubt hit the ground running, using his in-depth insight into the sector to make an immediate impact for our clients. Further building out our consultancy offer in the UK and Europe is critical as ESG and sustainability have become increasingly fundamental to how Avison Young advises clients and delivers on its own purpose to create real economic, social and environmental value, powered by people.”

Steve Cresswell, European Finance & Operations Director at Avison Young, commented:
“Wesley’s appointment underlines our desire to continue to build and deliver a competitive offer for clients in this crucially important area. Wesley will work with our European and UK teams to direct our engagement and provide effective stewardship to grow our distinctive leadership position in the ESG space.”