The Association of Real Estate Funds (Aref) has announced the appointment of John Cartwright as its new CEO. Cartwright was previously head of Retail and Institutional Funds at real estate investment managers PRUPIM. He has a total of 35 years experience in property investment, including 20 years as a fund manager. He replaces Rachel McIsaac, who held the position for more than five years as the organisation's first CEO.

Aref's prime objective is to act as a collective voice for UK real estate funds.