In 2019, the valuation department of Cushman & Wakefield Echinox evaluated properties with a cumulative value of €4.2 billion, while estimating an increase of 15% of the valuation volume for the upcoming year.

Erste Group Bank AG has appointed Patrick Zehetmayr to head the banking group’s commercial real estate business, which encompasses non-residential activities at both the stock-listed company’s holding level and at Erste Bank Oesterreich, the group’s Austrian subsidiary. In his new role, Zehetmayr is responsible for the group’s commercial real estate coverage and financing activities, as well as for the real estate leasing business of Erste Group Immorent (EGI), whose supervisory board he chairs.

UAE business conglomerate Al Habtoor Group is set to open a regional office in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, to service its existing European operations and scout for new investment opportunities. The group, with its wide-ranging interests in the hospitality, real estate, automotive, education and vehicle leasing sectors, plans to expand its enterprise reach in new European markets.

Commerz Real has created a new Impact Investment division and named a new Head of Sustainability. The asset manager intends to place its focus to a greater degree than in the past on capital investments whose returns are not measured solely in terms of economic success, but also with a view to their positive impact on society and the environment.

Colliers International Czech Republic announced the appointment of Tereza Nemcova as Director of the Human Resources department, in line with the company’s plan to expand its headcount, as well as its footprint throughout the Czech Republic.

During their New Year’s Reception held at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Bucharest, RICS announced the new Advisory Board for Romania, which will be responsible for implementing RICS’ strategic goals locally and will work closely with key stakeholders in Romania.

JLL has appointed Sabine Eckhardt as CEO Central Europe with effect from 1 May, 2020. In the newly created position, which includes full responsibility for Germany and Central Europe, based in Frankfurt, Sabine Eckhardt will help drive continued growth and digital transformation of the international real estate services group. She will also join JLL's EMEA Strategy Board.

NAI Global has opened a new office in Serbia with NAI WMG, which is led by NAI Business Director Nikola Senesi, PhD, FRICS. NAI WMG provides commercial real estate services in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania.

Colliers International Czech Republic announced the appointment of Vendula Marsova, MRICS, as its new Head of Valuation and Advisory Services. Vendula started her position in November 2019 and in her new role, she will focus on driving the continued growth and success of the firm’s valuation division; improving client experience, developing relationships and optimising the CRE valuation service delivery model.

The Investment Services department at Colliers International has been joined by Mark Richardson as director. The new expert will be a valuable support for the team managed by Piotr Mirowski.