The exceptional contributions of three outstanding industry leaders have been recognized in this year’s prestigious ULI European Leadership Awards.
Isabelle Scemama, the global head of AXA IM Alts, has been selected as the recipient of the European Leader Award. In addition, rising star Simon Abboud, program director, European management services of Hines has been named the ULI European Talent Award winner. Finally, Ciaran Bird, the CEO, UK & Ireland advisory business of CBRE, has received the ULI European Trish Barrigan Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
The annual awards celebrate both the outstanding contributions of leaders in the built environment to the industry and to civic, social endeavors, and how they exemplify the spirit and mission of ULI. The award winners were announced at a celebration held during the flagship 2025 ULI Europe Conference in London.
Anne Kavanagh, Chair, ULI Europe, comments, “These awards are a great platform for us to recognize and celebrate the impactful contributions of some of our industry’s most outstanding leaders during their careers. We are excited to celebrate this year’s recipients and their fantastic achievements.”
The ULI European Leader Award, which celebrates a senior leader whose achievements demonstrate both personal and professional contributions to the real estate industry and to the community, was presented to Isabelle Scemama.
“An exceptional leader, Isabelle’s vision, inspiring entrepreneurial spirit, and collaborative approach help to shape our industry’s future,” said Emily Bohill, jury member and founder and managing partner, Bohill Partners. “Under her leadership, AXA IM Alts has been a pioneering force, reflecting her ability to innovate while building and empowering high-performing teams, and she brings out the best in those around her by listening, encouraging, and shining the spotlight on others.”
“Her leadership impact is also demonstrated through her active involvement with ULI and EPRA, including her participation in ULI’s UrbanPlan initiative to inspire young people to discover the opportunities in real estate and begin their own journeys. Isabelle has a rare ability to blend her strategic decision-making with humility, energy, and impact. It’s a privilege to recognize her with this very well-deserved award.”
The ULI European Talent Award recognizes the standout professional, personal and civic commitments to the real estate industry of a young talent up to 35 years old and was presented to Simon Abboud.
Lisette van Doorn, jury member and CEO ULI Europe said, “Simon leads from within, by example, through creativity, innovation and initiative, bringing others along with his high energy and enthusiasm while having a strong attention to detail. His approach is humble, with high impact.”
“While still a long career ahead of him, he has already worked and gained experience in many different sectors, including architecture and design, construction, proptech and investment management.”
Finally, the ULI European Trish Barrigan Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion recognizes an individual who stands out for both their leadership and contribution to advancing and promoting DEI in the real estate industry and the broader community and was awarded to Ciaran Bird.
“An outstanding role model, Ciaran’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has set a powerful example for the industry”, said Beverley Kilbride, ULI European Leadership Awards Chair and COO Europe of LaSalle Investment Management. “He has decided to use his influential position in the industry to help drive real, lasting change, championing social mobility and gender diversity. He has demonstrated that diversity and inclusion is an essential part of how the real estate industry progresses, and that opportunities to work in the industry are an option for everyone.”
“Ciaran’s own career journey began without a traditional route in, and this has shaped his belief that talent comes from everywhere, and that when people from all backgrounds work together, everyone wins. In his focus on building a diverse and dynamic workforce and inclusive culture, he was instrumental in launching an apprenticeship programme that has now brought over 200 young people from diverse backgrounds into the sector. We are proud to spotlight Ciaran with this year’s award.”
Lisette van Doorn, CEO of ULI Europe, concludes, “My congratulations go to all our inspirational winners in this year’s ULI European Leadership Awards. It’s wonderful that we can celebrate both the professional and personal contributions of those individuals in our industry who have made a real impact, and whose works genuinely mirrors the core values, ethos and mission of ULI itself. My thanks also go to our distinguished and diverse jury of real estate leaders for their hard work and commitment to the awards this year.”
The ULI European Leadership Awards jury is chaired by Beverley Kilbride (LaSalle Investment Management) and includes Emily Bohill (Bohill Partners), Andrea Carpenter (Diversity Talks Real Estate), Rik Eertink (CBRE Investment Management), Karim Habra, Ariana Maass (Berlin Hyp AG), Haris Piplas (Drees & Sommer), Kari Pitkin, Olaf Schmidt (DLA Piper), and Lisette van Doorn (ULI Europe).
