The British Property Federation (BPF) has named its new chief executive.
Melanie Leech is taking up the role after a nine-year spell as director-general of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).
She will joining the £404billion property industry in early 2015.
Prior to leading the FDF, Ms Leech held senior positions in the UK Government, including director of communications at the Cabinet Office and head of broadcasting policy at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
She also served for three years as chief executive of the Association of Police Authorities.
The BPF’s current chief executive, Liz Peace, is retiring this week after 12 years at the helm. She will continue to work at the federation on a part-time basis until the end of the year.
Ms Leech said her appointment came at a crucial time for the property industry, which employs nearly 900,000 people and contributes £42billion a year to the UK economy – equal to the telecoms and transport sectors combined.
She added: “Having spent nine incredibly rewarding years engaging with government and others to promote the contribution of the food and drink manufacturing industry, I am looking forward to a new challenge working with another key sector for the UK economy.
“As well as being a vital part of the economy in its own right, the property industry provides a platform for virtually all business activity in the UK and will have a huge role to play in meeting the aspirations of the next government to boost growth, deliver homes and unlock investment in our towns and cities.”
BPF president Bill Hughes said: “Melanie has a proven track record of working both with and within government, a wealth of policy-making experience and a number of significant lobbying achievements under her belt.
“She is, therefore, perfectly placed to promote the merits of our industry and to continue the excellent work of Liz Peace, who has achieved such a huge amount during her 12 years at the BPF.
“With a general-election approaching, now more than ever we need to promote the benefits of real estate and be ready to tackle any challenges that a future government might present.”