// Revo names Vivienne King as its new CEO
// She will replace Ed Cooke, who will step down in March next year after 11 years in the post
// Revo represents the UK’s £360 billion retail property sector
The UK’s peak organisation that represents the retail property sector, Revo, has announced Vivienne King as its new chief executive.
King will step into her new role when Ed Cooke – who recently said he intended to resign after 11 years in the post – steps down in March next year.
King brings more than 30 years of business, advisory and real estate industry experience and joins from Soho Housing Association, where she has been chief executive for the last three and a half years.
Prior to that she spent more than 20 years at The Crown Estate, latterly on the management committee as director of business operations and general counsel where she led business delivery from London and in Scotland.
“We’re very pleased to be appointing an industry leader with a fabulous track record in commercial delivery, but more importantly someone who shares our collective vision and values,” Revo chairman Mark Robinson said.
“Additionally, Vivienne’s background in helping shape government policy will maintain and enhance Revo’s voice at this crucial time.”
King said: “Revo is a highly respected organisation working across a range of sectors which play a vital part in the UK economy and the day to day lives of people who live, work or visit here.
“We are navigating challenging times, but I am very much looking forward to bringing my own experience to the skills of the team, the board and membership of Revo, to map out and deliver an exciting strategic agenda supporting a bright future for our urban centres.”
King is also a founder and chair of Real Estate Balance, a membership organisation campaigning for gender diversity at senior levels in real estate.
She also serves on the boards of Women’s Pioneer Housing Trust, Westminster Property Association’s housing committee; and the Soho Neighbourhood Forum Steering Group.
Revo has over 2300 members ranging from sole traders to FTSE 100 companies, and organisations in the private and public sectors.
In recent years it has become an advocate for reforms required to support the long term health of the UK’s high streets and town centres, including the current business rates system.
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