Real estate investment manager AEW Europe has named Massimiliano Bernes as managing director of its business in Italy. In this role, he will be responsible for developing the company's European investment platform in the Italian market.

Bernes is based in Milan and reports to Eric Donnet, chief operating officer for AEW Europe.

Before joining AEW Europe, Bernes was investment director at real estate investment manager Gaiana, part of the Gabetti Group. He has also held positions at Pirelli Real Estate and Generali Properties Asset Management.