Global commercial real estate firm Avison Young has appointed James Pitt (pictured, right) as regional managing director for Leeds.
Pitt joined Avison Young in May 2025 as a director in the place advisory team, bringing over 30 years’ experience in property development, urban regeneration and placemaking.
Pitt began his career at JLL in the national offices team before moving to Evans Property Group as development director.
Before joining Avison Young, Pitt was regional managing director for Yorkshire and the North East at Muse Places, leading a team working with public sector bodies, social housing providers and landowners across the North of England.
In his new role, Pitt will lead Avison Young’s work across Yorkshire, working closely with colleagues to deliver real estate advisory services to clients locally and nationally.
Stuart Howie, outgoing regional managing director for Leeds, is taking up a new national role supporting clients across both public and private sectors to leverage investment and deliver major regeneration projects.
Howie has more than 30 years’ experience providing commercial, financial and strategic advice on complex regeneration and economic development projects.
Stephen Cowperthwaite (pictured, left), principal and managing director, UK regions at Avison Young, said: “James brings deep regional knowledge and exceptional leadership experience to this role.
“His track record in delivering impactful development and regeneration projects makes him ideally placed to lead our Leeds office and grow our presence across Yorkshire.
“We’re thrilled to have him step into this position as we continue to invest in talent and regional leadership to support our clients’ evolving needs.”
Cowperthwaite added: “Stuart’s transition into a national role is also a major milestone in our commitment to building our presence in all corners of the UK, delivering projects that advance the regions and facilitate strategic economic development.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside Stu to make sure that Avison Young is helping those with devolved responsibility to maximise impact and delivery.”
Pitt said: “This is an exciting time for both Avison Young and the Yorkshire region, and I’m thrilled to take on the role of regional managing director for Leeds.
“The region’s potential is immense, with increased devolution and the promise of a mass transit system set to energise the local economy and unlock new real estate opportunities along its corridors.
“Leeds and Yorkshire have a strong tradition of innovation, resilience, and collaboration, and I believe the market is at a pivotal moment where public and private partnerships can really accelerate growth.”
Pitt added: “I look forward to working alongside our talented team, deepening relationships with clients, and helping to shape places that deliver long-term value for businesses, communities, and investors alike.”
Howie said: “I’m excited to take on this new role, helping regions use their devolved resources and powers to maximise regional investment and impact.
“It’s clear that devolution, when implemented effectively, can act as a powerful tool to attract investment, driving development ambitions across the country.
“But devolution alone is not a fix-all solution – it needs strategy, commercial discipline, market awareness, resource and strong project management, which is where we hope to take this new service offering, extending the work we already do for our clients.”
Howie added: “I’m delighted to pass the regional leadership baton to James.
“Having worked with him both prior to and since his arrival at Avison Young, I know that our business, clients, and team are in great hands.”
