New chairman takes reins at IPF Midlands

L-R: Jonathan Devaney and Richard Round

Jonathan Devaney has been appointed chairman of the Midlands region of the Investment Property Forum (IPF), the UK’s leading individual membership organisation for property investment professionals.

He takes the baton from Richard Round, who was in the post for 18 months.

Jonathan is co-founder of Skylark Real Estate, a boutique commercial real estate investment and development firm. He has been on the board of the Midlands IPF for two years and is responsible for organising seminars and networking events.

The IPF Midlands branch was set up in March 2000 with just 25 members. It has now grown to more than 200 members from across the East and West Midlands. The organisation provides networking events – including a sell-out annual lunch and dinner – and a seminar programme.

Richard Round, a relationship director in Lloyds Bank’s commercial real estate team, hands over the reins on 1 March. He will remain on the board.

He said: “It has been a privilege to helm the IPF Midlands and I wish Jonathan all the best as he takes on the chair.”

During his two-year term, Jonathan plans to build the membership and increase its diversity, ensuring it continues to reflect the Midlands property community.

He said: “Richard has been a dedicated and hugely popular chairman and I am proud to be following in his footsteps. As well as ensuring the IPF Midlands continues to offer topical events, my focus will be on boosting the membership and ensuring we remain relevant and engaging to the wide range of individuals working in the real estate investment sector across the Midlands.”