M&G has announced the appointment of Martin Towns as Global Head of M&G’s circa $42bn Real Estate business, effective as of 1 July 2025.
During his 15-year career at M&G, first as a fund manager and most recently as Deputy Global Head of M&G Real Estate, Martin has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic foresight, including presiding over M&G’s entry into the residential sector in 2013 and establishment of its capital partnerships business in 2015.
He also played an instrumental role in the majority acquisition of BauMont Real Estate Capital, as part of M&G’s objective to strengthen its position as a European leader in private assets and deliver higher risk/return strategies for its real estate clients.
“M&G has long been at the forefront of real estate investing, providing access to innovative strategies and supporting global investors in achieving their long-term goals.
“As we enter this dynamic next phase of the property cycle we see many compelling new opportunities across global markets, which our teams are ideally placed to tap into. I am excited by the opportunity this brings for us as a major investor as we look to further cater to the fast-evolving needs of our investors.”
Martin Towns, Deputy Global Head, M&G Real Estate
Martin’s appointment follows the retirement of Tony Brown who leaves M&G after a 35-year career in infrastructure and real estate investment.
After 11 years with M&G, Tony will relocate to Australia with his family at the end of June, ensuring a comprehensive handover before his departure.
“Reflecting on my time in the real estate industry has been immensely gratifying. I’m also very proud of the talent we have within the business and with Martin driving future growth and innovation, I’m sure he will take M&G Real Estate to even greater heights.”
Tony Brown, Global Head, M&G Real Estate
M&G Real Estate is part of M&G plc’s $93bn private markets division. It is the 11th largest real estate manager globally of those headquartered outside of the US, with nine offices in Europe and four in Asia Pacific.
With circa $42bn in assets under management covering both real estate equity and debt strategies, M&G Real Estate’s platform provides global market insight and the ability to deliver a variety of strategies across the full risk-return spectrum to clients.
“Not only is Martin’s appointment testament to his exceptional drive and visionary approach, it reflects the depth of talent we have within M&G. I look forward to seeing the continued impact of his leadership.
“Under Tony’s stewardship, our real estate business has gone from strength to strength, delivering innovative investment strategies and opportunities for our clients on three continents. We thank Tony for his significant contribution to the business and wish him well in his retirement.”
Emmanuel Deblanc, Chief Investment Officer, M&G’s Private Markets Division
This appointment follows M&G’s two recent announcements – the acquisition of the N16 student accommodation scheme in London from Get Living, and the company’s acquisition of Park Avenue, its first investment in Australia’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector.
