RICS names Stefan de Goeij as head of its European board

Stefan de Goeij, Partner and Head of Sustainability & ESG for Central and Eastern Europe and the Nordic countries at Cushman & Wakefield, is taking up the role of Chair of the European World Regional Board (EWRB) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), while also joining the organisation’s Global Members Committee.

Based in Prague and with more than 25 years of experience in the real estate sector, he is regarded as one of the most experienced voices in sustainability and ESG strategy within the European real estate market. His expertise includes the integration of sustainability criteria into property management, the improvement of operational efficiency, and the adaptation of portfolios to the growing demands of investors, financiers, and regulatory authorities.

His appointment is particularly significant at a time when the European regulatory framework—through the EU Taxonomy, the SFDR, and the CSRD Directive—directly influences how real estate assets are assessed, financed, and transacted.

RICS, with more than 141,000 members across over 140 countries, plays a pivotal role in shaping international standards for the valuation, management, and development of real estate and infrastructure. For the investment community, the elevation of a senior executive with a strong ESG background to the leadership of its European board may accelerate the alignment of sustainability standards in the market, reducing regulatory uncertainty and influencing the valuations of “green” real estate assets.

“It is a great honour for me to assume the chairmanship of the European World Regional Board of RICS, as well as to join the Global Members Committee. This is a demanding yet highly exciting period for the sector, and I look forward to working with colleagues from across Europe to advance RICS’s evolving agenda,” said Stefan de Goeij.

On his part, Jonathan Hallett, Head of CEE & Nordics at Cushman & Wakefield, noted that de Goeij’s appointment represents recognition of his long-standing experience and leadership presence in sustainability and real estate management.

“His new role at RICS further strengthens our connection to the most important international industry discussions and standards, creating additional value for clients and partners across the entire region,” he stated.

De Goeij’s appointment also reinforces Cushman & Wakefield’s strategic positioning at the core of developments affecting both investment advisory services and the formation of international standards in the real estate sector.