Yvonne Court, international partner and head of Cushman & Wakefield’s Europe, Middle East and Africa cross-border retail and leisure team, will retire at the end of March after more than 36 years with the firm.
Court joined Healey & Baker, which later merged with Cushman & Wakefield, in 1989 as head of retail research and consultancy. In 2010 she moved into the EMEA cross-retail and leisure team, where she continued working in a consultancy role for retail occupiers.
Ten years later she was chosen to lead the team, advising clients on new market entry, global location strategy and agency mandates, the firm said. She also served on the EMEA retail board.
Court is described by the firm as having worked with retail developers in addition to brands and retailers on assignments across the world.
Court said in a statement: “I feel incredibly fortunate to have led and been involved in so many varied and exciting global projects over the years at Cushman & Wakefield. The retail and leisure landscape has changed beyond recognition over the decades.
“I have always been fascinated by how people shop, uncovering what consumers really want, exploring how behaviours evolve, and seeing first-hand how shopping habits differ across regions and cultures. Ultimately, it is consumers that drive the retail real estate market.”
Rob Travers, head of EMEA retail at Cushman & Wakefield, added: “It has been a privilege to work alongside Yvonne for the last 15 years.
“Her dedication and leadership have made a profound impact on our business and on the many clients and colleagues she has worked with around the world.
“We are incredibly grateful for her commitment and the lasting contribution she has made to Cushman & Wakefield.”