A New Era for RICS: Nick Maclean OBE RD FRICS Appointed President for 2026
The new year marks a significant milestone for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). As of 1st January 2026, Nick Maclean OBE RD FRICS has officially stepped into the role of the 144th President of the RICS.
Following his tenure as Acting President since March 2025, Nick takes the helm at a pivotal moment. The institution has recently undergone a period of intense transformation, successfully passing the 100,000 UK member milestone for the first time in its 157-year history and seeing a notable 7-point increase in member satisfaction.
At Surventrix, we are particularly interested in the strategic direction of the RICS as it relates to the digital evolution of the industry. With Nick’s extensive experience, including 30 years at CBRE and seven years as a Scottish Trade Envoy, he is well-positioned to lead the profession through a landscape defined by both challenge and opportunity.
Four Pillars for 2026
Under Nick Maclean’s leadership, the RICS will focus on four critical areas that will define the built environment in the coming year:
Skills: Building a robust pipeline of talent from school age through to retirement.
Homes & Infrastructure: Addressing the housing crisis and the need for planning reform.
Sustainability & Resilience: Transitioning from "ambition" to "delivery" regarding net-zero goals.
Data & Technology: Embracing the digital revolution, including AI and advanced digital tools.
In the President’s Words
Nick Maclean’s vision for the year ahead is one of adaptation and professional integrity. He remarked:
“It’s such an exciting time for the RICS as it evolves to meet the fundamental reshaping of real estate driven by technology and sustainability and profound social, cultural and geoeconomic shifts. The role of the RICS as both an industry and consumer-facing organisation has never been more important.”
“Central to this work will be a focus on lifelong learning with RICS ensuring support for everyone who wishes to practice in our profession from fourteen to retirement and beyond. We know that persistent skills shortages across the built environment will increasingly constrain delivery which is why we must build and maintain a robust pipeline of talent whilst elevating the importance of professional standards in the public interest.”
“The housing crisis remains one of the most critical issues facing our Government and the country, with planning reform and accelerated delivery necessitating increasing reliance on professional advisors around land, viability, valuation, development and risk.”
“2026 will see an acceleration in transition from net zero ambition to delivery, putting more pressure on professional expertise to manage climate risk, retrofit, resilience and long term value in the built and natural environment.”
“Finally, permeating the full spectrum of the industry, the digital revolution will continue apace, with advances in AI, Data and digital tools changing the way and speed at which the sector operates. Professional standards, integrity and judgement in its application in the public interest is central to how we embrace change.”
“2026 promises to be a big and exciting year for RICS and our members and we are in a strong place to address the challenges which lie ahead and accelerate the change and momentum gained over the last two years.”
A Strong Leadership Team
The RICS executive team is also bolstered by new appointments. Susanne Eickerman-Riepe FRICS becomes the Senior Vice President (SVP), while Maureen Ehrenberg FRICS moves into the role of President-Elect.
Justin Young, RICS Chief Executive Officer, expressed his confidence in the new leadership:
“I’ve really enjoyed working alongside Nick over the course of 2025 and I’m delighted to see him take up the reigns of the RICS Presidency for 2026. While headquartered in London, our membership illustrates we are a truly global organisation which is reflected in Nick’s own career with his considerable experience of working in various international markets.”
“He has held a number of roles with the RICS over 20 years and knows the organisation inside out. Nick also shares our passion for addressing skills shortages, promoting best sustainability practice and embracing new technologies in the best interests of our members and consumers.”
“2026 promises to be a big and exciting year for RICS and our members and we are in a strong place to address the challenges which lie ahead and accelerate the change and momentum gained over the last two years.”
Looking Forward
For firms using the Surventrix platform, the RICS’s focus on Data and Technology is particularly resonant. As the digital revolution continues at pace, having the right tools to manage professional standards, integrity, and efficiency is no longer optional, it is central to the public interest and the success of the sector.
We look forward to seeing how Nick Maclean and the leadership team drive these initiatives forward in 2026, ensuring the surveying profession remains at the heart of the UK’s economic and environmental progress.