This inspiring RREF webinar for International Women’s Day, brings together stories and strategies that highlight the profound impact of giving back. From championing colleagues in everyday conversations to engaging with sector-wide initiatives, we’ll explore how connection, collaboration, and allyship strengthen not only individuals but the industry as a whole.

You will hear from our esteemed panel as they explore some of the experiences and transformational moments that have helped them in their careers. The Real Estate industry has long been a 'people business' and this webinar will explore how support and connection could be the most powerful real estate investment you could make. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned professional, join us to learn how simple, intentional actions can elevate others, expand your network, and shape a more inclusive and human‑centred future for real estate.

Professor Ginny Gibson (Chair)

Professor Ginny Gibson is a highly respected academic leader and one of the UK’s foremost experts in corporate real estate. Over a 32‑year career at the University of Reading and Henley Business School, she served in numerous senior roles. Her research and teaching focus on how organisations align real estate with changing business needs, and she has collaborated with major organisations such as BT, Barclays, Boots, and JCI. Now Professor Emerita at Henley Business School, she continues to influence the sector through leadership roles with organisations such as CREW UK and the Reading Real Estate Foundation. Ginny has been recognised with multiple awards, including an honorary RICS fellowship and a CoreNet Award for Significant Contribution to the Corporate Real Estate field.

Kat Norton

Kat Norton is head of Savills’ Development Management team, where she leads the growth of the team after returning to the firm in 2021. She began her career as a Savills graduate, rapidly rising to director level and heading the mixed‑use development team before moving client‑side to Great Portland Estates (GPE). There she gained first‑hand experience delivering complex City and West End of London schemes. Kat is passionate about championing women in the industry and speaks openly about topics such as confidence and career progression. She sits on the Board of Trustees for Reading Real Estate Foundation and Savills London Commercial Board.

Sarah Thorley

Sarah Thorley is the President-Elect at CREW UK, championing women in commercial real estate and driving greater inclusivity across the industry. As Associate Director in the Social Value team at Savills, she advises clients on integrating social value into real estate strategies to create long‑term, community‑centred impact. She joined Savills in 2018 after achieving a first‑class BSc in Real Estate from Henley Business School, progressing through the graduate scheme and later leading a specialist analytics team supporting strategic real estate projects across Europe. Her work spans ESG, strategic advisory, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on emerging and growth sectors. Sarah is deeply committed to widening participation and socioeconomic mobility. In addition to her role at CREW, she also co‑chairs Savills’ Social Mobility Group, and previously sat on the Board for Pathways to Property. She was named a 2024 Property Week “Rising Star.”