Commercial real estate firm Avison Young has appointed James Pitt as regional managing director for Leeds.
With more than 30 years of expertise in property development, urban regeneration, and placemaking, James joined Avison Young in May 2025 as a director within the Place Advisory team.
James began his career at JLL in the national offices team, before spending 12 years at Evans Property Group as development director, leading projects including the University of York’s Heslington Campus. He was also key to securing the Leeds Enterprise Zone at Gateway 45 and unlocking the East Leeds Orbital Ring Road, facilitating planning permission for 2,000 homes.
Prior to joining Avison Young, James served as regional managing director for Yorkshire and the North East at Muse Places. There, he led a team focused on partnerships with public sector bodies, social housing providers, and landowners across the North of England.
In his new role as regional managing director for Leeds, James will spearhead Avison Young’s growth across Yorkshire, collaborating closely with colleagues to deliver best-in-class real estate advisory services to clients locally and nationally.
Meanwhile, outgoing regional managing director for Leeds, Stuart Howie, takes on a new national role, supporting Avison Young’s clients across both the public and private sectors to leverage investment and expertise to enable the delivery of major regeneration projects.
Howie has over 30 years’ experience of providing commercial, financial and strategic advice to some of the UK’s most complex and challenging regeneration and economic development projects. He advises both the public and private sectors and specialises in shaping deals that unlock investment, economic growth and prosperity.
Stephen Cowperthwaite, 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.
“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.”
James Pitt, regional managing director, Leeds at Avison Young, added: “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.
“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.”
Stuart Howie, principal and devolution delivery lead at Avison Young, added: “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.
“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.”
