Deloitte appoints Dessie Kilkenny to head new real estate mergers and acquisitions venture

Deloitte Ireland has welcomed Dessie Kilkenny as the managing director overseeing real estate mergers and acquisitions, marking a significant milestone as the first professional services firm to obtain a license from the Property Services Regulatory Authority.

Kilkenny’s transition to Deloitte from CBRE, where he previously helmed the capital markets division, signifies the firm’s dedication to fortifying its services in advising clients on all facets of real estate deals.

Possessing a wealth of experience spanning two decades, Kilkenny has been instrumental in advising on some of Ireland’s most substantial real estate transactions, including the recent sale of the Blanchardstown Centre.

Kilkenny expressed optimism about Ireland’s prospects, noting the projected population growth over the next decade and a half. He anticipates a need for Irish real estate to adapt and progress in response to these changes, and he looks forward to supporting stakeholders involved in Irish real estate investments during this transition. Deloitte’s establishment of the Real Estate M&A division positions the firm to provide clients with comprehensive services throughout the real estate process.

The collaboration between Kilkenny and Daniel Lockley, Deloitte’s real estate industry leader, in introducing this new service offering is something they both eagerly anticipate rolling out in the months ahead.

Lockley emphasized the timeliness of expanding Deloitte’s real estate portfolio in Ireland, highlighting Kilkenny’s appointment as a pivotal move towards that objective. This strategic investment aims to empower clients in planning, developing, financing, and selling real estate assets both locally and on the global stage. Deloitte takes pride in being the first professional services provider to secure a Property Licence from the Property Services Regulatory Authority, a testament to its commitment to compliance and excellence in its real estate operations.

Anya Cummins, a partner at Deloitte Ireland and leader of the strategy risk and transactions advisory division, expressed enthusiasm about adding Kilkenny to the Real Estate team. Cummins views Kilkenny’s rich tapestry of Irish and international experience as a valuable asset that will enhance the existing team as they offer an extensive range of real estate advisory services to clients.

In summary, Deloitte’s appointment of Kilkenny as the managing director for real estate mergers and acquisitions signifies a significant advancement for the firm in bolstering its presence in the real estate sector. The move underscores Deloitte’s proactive approach to meeting the evolving needs of clients in navigating the dynamic landscape of Irish and international real estate markets.