James Porter, Chief Client Officer, and Chris Wright, Head of Sustainability and Decarbonisation, at Salisbury Square in the City of London © Kate Smyth.

Global real estate firm Avison Young today announces the appointment of Chris Wright as its new Head of Sustainability and Decarbonisation. Wright joins from Tesco, where he led the Energy and Engineering teams across the UK, Ireland and Central Europe.

With over a decade of experience in engineering delivery, Wright specialised in Engineering Design, Automation, Engineering Project Delivery, Building Surveying and Structural Engineering at Tesco. Across these categories his approach has always been to innovate and find cost effective, scalable solutions to problems.

In his role as Head of Energy and Engineering, Wright led a number of initiatives to reduce the Group’s carbon emissions, including increasing the use of on-site renewables, beginning the transition to decarbonised heat, transitioning to lower carbon building materials, and building the infrastructure for a net zero future.

At Avison Young, Wright’s responsibilities will include leading the firm's sustainability strategy and supporting clients in their transition to a low-carbon future, taking an output-oriented approach to help clients deliver cost effective solutions to their sustainability and decarbonisation challenges.

James Porter, Chief Client Officer, Avison Young UK, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Chris to the team. He is a market leader in his field, with his results driven work at Tesco recognised as the best in class. Chris’s in-depth knowledge of the energy and engineering sector, extensive client experience and proven track record of leading high-performing teams, will play a crucial part in driving these services forward for our clients. His appointment is further evidence of Avison Young’s ability to attract top talent.

“Environmental impact and sustainability practices are being increasingly demanded by today’s occupiers and businesses. We are grounded in our belief of the positive social impact real estate can make in people’s lives and we will continue to work with our clients to improve the sustainability and resilience of commercial property, economies and communities.”

Chris Wright, Head of Sustainability and Decarbonisation, Avison Young UK, said: “Joining the team at Avison Young at such a critical moment is very exciting. I was attracted not just by the company’s reputation in the market, but the culture of a can-do attitude where adding value to clients is put front and centre. Overlaying this with their ambitions for growth makes this an incredibly exciting time to join, and I feel I can play an integral part in this journey.”