BNP Paribas Real Estate is today announcing that Rhodri Thomas will be appointed as the new head of its Strutt & Parker rural business line from March 1, and Karl McConville joins as its deputy head.
Rhodri Thomas has been with the Strutt & Parker business for more than 25 years, working as a lead adviser to a significant portfolio of institutional and private clients and representing the southern area on the rural executive.
Thomas joined the business in 1994 as a newly qualified land agent and has led the rural team based in the Salisbury office since 2003.
Karl McConville joins from Barclays, where he headed the landed estates team. As deputy head of rural he will be responsible for business development.
McConville brings with him 25 years of experience working within the rural sector, starting with hands-on farming experience as a student, followed by 10 years as an agricultural consultant, through to his role supporting some of the largest landed estates in the country with their banking requirements.
Rhodri Thomas commented: “I am excited to be taking on the leadership of Strutt & Parker’s rural team at a time of rapid transformation for the rural sector.
While there are undoubtedly challenges to be faced by landowners and farmers, there are also many exciting opportunities, and we are focused on helping clients develop new ideas so they can face the next chapter with confidence.
“I’m very privileged to have this opportunity to lead the most talented team of advisers working in land management, agriculture and the countryside, who already provide advice relating to two million acres on behalf of clients.”
‘An important time for the rural economy’
Karl McConville said: “I am delighted to have joined the business at such an important time for the rural economy.
With the expertise and heritage of the Strutt & Parker business, combined with the strength and depth of the BNP Paribas Group, we are uniquely placed to guide landowners through the current changes positively so they and their communities are able to enjoy and profit from their land for years and generations to come.
Rhodri Thomas will replace James Farrell who, after 31 years, will leave Strutt & Parker at the end of May.
Etienne Prongué, CEO of BNP Paribas Real Estate UK said: “I would like to thank James for all his efforts, hard work and commitment to the business over the past 31 years.
“It has been a pleasure working with him and we wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
