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LONDON (September 1, 2010) William P. Kistler, president of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), is leaving the post after more than six years of building a strong foundation for the Institute’s expansion into those areas of the globe.

ULI, established in Washington, D.C. in 1936, is an interdisciplinary, nonprofit education and research institute devoted to the responsible use of land. Kistler, 55, was named president of ULI Europe (which later expanded to include the Middle East and Africa) in January 2004 in conjunction with the opening of a ULI office in London. He will step down September 30 to take an executive position with Korn/Ferry International, a global executive recruitment firm.

According to ULI Chief Executive Officer Patrick L. Phillips, Kistler has been instrumental in ULI’s evolution from a U.S.-centric organization to one that is global in scope. “Bill has worked tirelessly to ensure that ULI is effectively serving land use professionals throughout Europe and the Middle East by offering products and activities tailored to their needs, Phillips said. “At the same time, he has advanced the ULI culture of sharing best development practices on a global level – a culture that truly enriches the ULI experience.”

Currently, ULI has more than 2,500 members in Europe and the Middle East; just over a decade ago, the organization had only 180 members in Europe. During that time, ULI’s depth and breadth increased significantly, from minimal representation at the local level to 14 ULI EMEA district councils, each of which serves members in different countries and local markets.

“Bill’s contributions have gone far in facilitating the information flow, not just among members in the EMEA region, but with members in the United States and other countries,” said ULI Chairman Jeremy Newsum, Executive Trustee of the Grosvenor Estate, which is based in the United Kingdom . “He has managed ULI EMEA with the belief that ULI’s global outreach is more about what we can learn from our peers, rather than what we can teach them. It’s an approach that has served the organization well.”

“I have great respect for what Bill Kistler and his team have achieved in Europe during the past years,” said ULI Europe Chairman Alexander Otto, Chief Executive Officer of ECE Projektmanagement G.m.b.H. & Co. KG in Hamburg. He did an excellent job implementing the European way of thinking and working that into ULI programs. Under his leadership so many new ideas and initiatives have been launched that the work of ULI Europe – as well as his work – will be groundbreaking for ULI global as well. I have truly enjoyed working with Bill during all these past years.”

According to Kistler, opening the office in London was a “natural progression” reflecting the increasing globalization of ULI and the real estate industry. “Cities in Europe and the Middle East offer extraordinary ‘lessons learned’ for ULI’s global membership. Conversely, our members in EMEA welcome the opportunities to benefit from the experience of other members around the world. Learning is a two-way street, and I am very proud of what we have accomplished through ULI EMEA,” he said.

About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (uli.org) is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has nearly 30,000 members representing all aspects of land use.