Business : Appointments News
British Land Names Joanne McNamara as New Chief Executive

British Land Names Joanne McNamara as New Chief Executive

British Land has announced the appointment of Joanne McNamara as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the UK’s largest and most influential property companies. McNamara joins the business from Oxford Properties, where she currently serves as Executive Vice President, Europe. Oxford Properties is

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KPE appoints new senior development manager

KPE appoints new senior development manager

Kajima Properties Europe (“KPE”), the European development, investment and asset management arm of the Nikkei-listed Kajima Corporation, has appointed Ian Patillo as Senior Development Manager, bolstering its London-based development team. Patillo brings a decade of experience in real estate development, land acquisition and project delivery, with a strong track record

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Catella APAM makes trio of senior promotions

Catella APAM makes trio of senior promotions

Catella APAM, the integrated UK real estate investment and asset manager, today announces it has promoted Victoria Morgan to Director. She joins founder and Executive Director Simon Cooke and Managing Director Melissa Baldwin on the firm’s senior leadership team. Rhys Williams and William Grenfell have been promoted from Associate Director

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Workman makes 57 promotions following year of growth

Workman makes 57 promotions following year of growth

Workman has made 57 promotions across the business, including seven new Partners. The promotions follow a year of sustained growth, and reflect the firm’s continued investment in specialist capability. The promotions span all 11 UK offices and cover a broad range of service lines; from property management, including retail &

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Newmark strengthens UK retail capability with senior director hire

Newmark strengthens UK retail capability with senior director hire

Newmark has expanded its UK retail team with the appointment of Josh Braid as a director, reinforcing its capability in leasing, asset repositioning and retail led development advisory. In his new role, Braid will focus on delivering leasing strategies for landlords, while advising on the repositioning and activation of retail

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Richard Graybrook to lead Ramboll’s aviation market in UK&I and Europe

Richard Graybrook to lead Ramboll’s aviation market in UK&I and Europe

Richard’s appointment as the Aviation Director further strengthens Ramboll’s growing offer in the aviation sector  Global architecture, engineering, and sustainability consultancy Ramboll has today announced the appointment of Richard Graybrook as Aviation Lead for UK&I and Europe. In this role, Richard will lead Ramboll’s aviation business across the region with responsibility for major programmes and projects, driving innovation and embedding sustainability throughout project delivery.  Richard brings extensive experience in the aviation sector, having led multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex operations. He has a strong track record in delivering long-term operational strategies, as well as identifying innovative ways to design, develop, and deliver new processes. 

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Latest Issue
Issue 341 : Jun 2026

Business : Appointments News

British Land Names Joanne McNamara as New Chief Executive

British Land Names Joanne McNamara as New Chief Executive

British Land has announced the appointment of Joanne McNamara as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the UK’s largest and most influential property companies. McNamara joins the business from Oxford Properties, where she currently serves as Executive Vice President, Europe. Oxford Properties is the global real estate investment, development and management arm of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), one of Canada’s largest pension funds. With more than two decades of experience across the real estate sector, McNamara brings extensive expertise in investment, development, asset management and strategic growth. Since joining Oxford Properties in 2010 as one of the company’s first London-based team members, she has played a central role in expanding the organisation’s European operations and helping build a team of more than 70 professionals across the region. During her 16-year tenure, she has overseen several of Oxford Properties’ most significant investment and development transactions, contributing to the company’s growth as a major force within the European real estate market. Prior to joining Oxford Properties, McNamara held senior roles at Hammerson and DTZ, further strengthening her credentials across the commercial property and investment sectors. She is expected to join British Land by the end of November, following the completion of her notice period, and will succeed Simon Carter, who is stepping down after five years as Chief Executive. British Land Chairman William Rucker described McNamara as one of Europe’s most respected real estate professionals, highlighting her deep sector knowledge, experience within private capital markets and reputation for strong leadership. The appointment comes at an important time for British Land as it continues to focus on high-quality mixed-use developments, urban campuses, retail destinations and sustainable property investment across the UK. Commenting on her appointment, McNamara said she has long admired British Land’s track record of creating and managing best-in-class places. She added that she is looking forward to working alongside the board and wider team to build upon the company’s existing platform for growth. The leadership change signals a new chapter for British Land as it continues to navigate evolving market conditions while pursuing long-term opportunities across the UK property sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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KPE appoints new senior development manager

KPE appoints new senior development manager

Kajima Properties Europe (“KPE”), the European development, investment and asset management arm of the Nikkei-listed Kajima Corporation, has appointed Ian Patillo as Senior Development Manager, bolstering its London-based development team. Patillo brings a decade of experience in real estate development, land acquisition and project delivery, with a strong track record across both the UK and international markets. In his new role, he will focus on planning-led development opportunities in London and the UK, working across KPE’s pipeline of workspace, logistics and living development projects. He joins from Landsec, where he held the role of Development Manager, driving the end-to-end delivery of major schemes across London. His experience encompasses design coordination, planning, legal negotiation, ESG strategy, stakeholder engagement, and financial management, guiding projects from feasibility through to enabling works and early delivery phases. His recent work includes high-profile office-led developments such as Hill House and 55 Old Broad Street in the City of London, with a focus on net-zero carbon and ESG-led outcomes. Prior to this, Patillo held roles at Turner & Townsend and Wesgroup Properties in Vancouver, Canada. At Wesgroup, he was responsible for delivering large-scale master-planned communities and mixed-use developments with a total construction value exceeding £1 billion. Based in KPE’s London office, Patillo will work closely with Phil McLaughlin, Head of Project Management, Tim James, Investment Director, and KPE’s wider development and investment teams. Ian’s initial focus will be leading on two of KPE’s planning-led commercial development projects in central London: 1 St John’s Square in Farringdon and 27 Soho Square in Soho, where KPE intends to undertake a comprehensive reimagining and sensitive expansion of both buildings. Ian Patillo, Senior Development Manager at Kajima Properties Europe, said: “Kajima Properties Europe has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, design-led developments, and I’m thrilled to join the team at such a pivotal time for the business, helping leverage my experience to deliver developments across living, logistics and workspace sectors.” John Harcourt, Managing Director at Kajima Properties Europe, added: “Ian’s appointment reflects our continued investment in development talent as we continue to grow our award-winning development capabilities and broaden our scope and reach. Ian’s experience is an excellent fit for the KPE team, and we look forward to his valuable contribution to delivering and growing our development pipeline.” About Kajima Properties Europe KPE is an established UK and European development and investment management business supported by the global strength of its parent company, Kajima Corporation. Founded in Japan in 1840, Kajima Corporation has grown into one of the world’s leading real estate and construction groups, giving KPE the heritage and global reach to deliver with confidence. KPE specialises in developing, repositioning, and investing across sectors where long-term value is identified, spanning logistics, living, and workspace. The business originates and manages investments for both its own balance sheet and investor clients. KPE has an exceptional track record in managing core+ and value-add strategies, outperforming respective benchmarks to ensure investors exceed target returns. www.kajima-properties.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Reds10 Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Former Wates Director

Reds10 Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Former Wates Director

Modular construction specialist Reds10 Group has appointed industry veteran Steve Beechey as its new Executive Chair as the company looks to accelerate growth and expand its role in delivering modern methods of construction across the public sector. Beechey will join the business in July, bringing with him more than 15 years of experience at Wates, where he most recently served as Group Public Sector Director. During his time with the contractor, he played a leading role in delivering major programmes across defence, education and justice, while also serving on the Wates Group Executive Committee for more than a decade. His appointment comes as Reds10 continues to strengthen its senior leadership team following the recent arrival of Matt Thorpe as Chief Financial Officer. The move reflects the company’s ambitions to scale its operations and further establish itself as a leading provider of off-site manufactured building solutions for public sector clients. Reds10 specialises in modern methods of construction and has built a strong reputation delivering projects across defence, education, healthcare, justice, temporary accommodation and social housing sectors. The company’s approach focuses on manufacturing buildings off-site before transporting and assembling them on location, helping to reduce programme times, improve quality and support sustainability objectives. Central to its operations is a 300,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Driffield, East Yorkshire, where building components are produced in a controlled factory environment before being installed on site. Paul Ruddick, Chief Executive of Reds10 Group, said Beechey’s extensive experience in both construction and the public sector would be invaluable as the business enters its next phase of development. He added that his leadership and strategic insight would help support the company’s ambition to industrialise construction and expand the adoption of modern building techniques. Commenting on his appointment, Beechey said he was joining the business at an exciting stage in its growth journey. He highlighted Reds10’s strong reputation for innovation and its clear ambition to transform how construction projects are delivered. As demand continues to grow for faster, more efficient and sustainable construction solutions, Reds10’s latest leadership appointment underlines its commitment to driving innovation and supporting the wider evolution of the UK construction industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Huws Gray appoints new Operations Director for Plant & Tool Hire to expand its offering across the UK

Huws Gray, a national building materials supplier providing end-to-end solutions to tradespeople and the DIY market, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Mugridge as Operations Director for Plant & Tool Hire as the Company continues to target strengthening its offering and expanding its presence across the country. With over 30 years of operational and retail leadership experience, Jon has a track record of driving improvements and delivering growth. He began his career at B&Q at the age of 16, progressing from a checkout operator to General Manager, before moving to Homebase, B&M and WH Smith where he held senior regional management positions. Jon’s most recent role was with Brandon Hire Station, where he was National Operations Director. In this role, he led the implementation and adherence of a number of important procedures, implemented cultural change initiatives across the business and delivered improvements within its health and safety performance. Given his considerable experience and expertise, Jon will lead the Huws Gray Plant & Tool Hire division’s focus on operational excellence, colleague development, continued excellence in health and safety, and supporting the long-term growth ambitions of the business. Jon Mugridge, Operations Director at Huws Gray Plant & Tool Hire, commented: “I am delighted to be joining Huws Gray at such an exciting point in its journey. There is a real opportunity here to deliver a first-class service, expand our offering across the country and deliver meaningful growth. In my career, I have always focused on colleague development and creating safe working environments, with a strong belief in empowering teams to deliver their best results, and I look forward to continuing this at Huws Gray.” Shaun Allen, Chief Operating Officer of Huws Gray, added: “Jon brings a huge amount of operational experience and leadership expertise to Huws Gray, and we are delighted to welcome him to the team. His track record of developing teams, driving performance and leading positive cultural change speaks for itself, and makes him a fantastic addition to Huws Gray Plant & Tool Hire as we continue to target growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Keylite strengthens housebuilder focus with appointment of new National Account Director

Keylite strengthens housebuilder focus with appointment of new National Account Director

Keylite Roof Windows (Keylite), an award-winning manufacturer renowned for its quality and innovation, has appointed Paul Stephens as its new National Account Director to support the continued growth of its housebuilder division in the UK.   With over 20 years of experience across the housebuilder sector, Paul brings a strong background of sales leadership, national account management and strategic business development. Paul joins Keylite following a successful career with Kingspan, SIG Distribution, SIG Energy Management and Miller Pattison where he held senior positions.  In his new role, Paul will lead the development of Keylite’s housebuilder offering, supporting national and regional developers to deliver compliant and high-performance new build homes. A key focus will be driving awareness and adoption of Keylite’s ModuLite System, recently recognised with a Housebuilder Product Award for Best Building Fabric Product.  Paul’s appointment comes at a critical time for the industry, as housebuilders continue to navigate evolving regulations and the demands of the Future Homes Standard. Working closely with key customers, Paul will help ensure Keylite continues to meet the changing demands of both large-scale developments and smaller self-build projects.  Paul commented: “Keylite has built a strong reputation within the housebuilder sector through its customer focus, innovation and long-standing industry relationships. I’m thrilled to be joining the business at such a crucial time and look forward to helping strengthen our offering, support our customers and drive continued growth across the housebuilder market.”  The appointment follows a period of sustained growth for the housebuilder team, with investment in the graduate sales programme increasing regional customer support and sector-focused initiatives such as the Keystone Group Innovation Day helping strengthen relationships across the industry.   Jim Blanthorne, Managing Director at Keylite, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul to the team. His extensive experience, industry knowledge and strong relationships within the sector will be invaluable as we continue to grow the Keylite brand and expand our support for housebuilders.”  For more information on Keylite Roof Windows, visit www.keyliteroofwindows.com, call 01283 200 158 or email info@keyliteuk.com. To find out more about career opportunities within the Keystone Group, visit Keystone Group Careers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Catella APAM makes trio of senior promotions

Catella APAM makes trio of senior promotions

Catella APAM, the integrated UK real estate investment and asset manager, today announces it has promoted Victoria Morgan to Director. She joins founder and Executive Director Simon Cooke and Managing Director Melissa Baldwin on the firm’s senior leadership team. Rhys Williams and William Grenfell have been promoted from Associate Director to Senior Principal. Victoria, previously Head of Asset Management, will retain strategic oversight of the firm’s £1.6 billion portfolio and continue to lead on client servicing and key relationships, while contributing to the broader leadership and direction of the business. Victoria joined Catella APAM in July 2023, initially leading asset management for the southern region before being promoted to Head of Asset Management with full UK oversight. She brings over 19 years of experience across complex and diverse portfolios in the UK and Europe. Victoria has a track record spanning industrial, logistics, office and specialist asset classes at institutions including CapitaLand, where she held responsibility for £1.8 billion in AUM, and M7 Real Estate, where she managed a 3.6 million sq ft national commercial portfolio. Since joining, Victoria has led the structural transformation of Catella APAM’s asset management function, integrating the asset management and portfolio management teams and bringing together analytical and asset-level expertise. Under her leadership, the team manages 5.4 million sq ft across residential, industrial, office and retail. William joined Catella APAM in 2015 and brings over 20 years of post-qualification experience to the role. He is the client lead on the firm’s mandate for Danish pension fund Britannia Invest A/S, overseeing asset management of a regional UK office portfolio, including the delivery of the c.60,000 sq ft One Friary redevelopment in Temple Quay, Bristol, on track for practical completion in summer 2026. Rhys has been with the firm since 2014 and is the client lead on Catella APAM’s mandate for the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, overseeing asset management of a mixed-sector portfolio that includes Chantry Place shopping centre in Norwich, the Grade II-listed Morgan Quarter in Cardiff, and major industrial holdings at Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale and Leeds Valley Park, where the team has set record rents for the West Yorkshire industrial market. In their new positions, Rhys and William will take on increased responsibility for client management, business development and people leadership, acting as second-in-command to Victoria within the asset management team. Simon Cooke, Founder and Executive Director of Catella APAM, said: “We’re really proud to announce these senior promotions, which not only highlight the exceptional quality of our people but also our commitment to developing talent from within. “Victoria’s promotion to Director is thoroughly deserved and a reflection of the extraordinary contribution she has made to this business. Her leadership, commercial instinct and genuine commitment to her people make her an integral part of this business, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact she will have for our clients. “Will and Rhys are exactly the kind of people this business is built on – experienced and deeply client-focused. These promotions recognise their outstanding individual performance.” Victoria Morgan, Director at Catella APAM, said: “I’m delighted to join the senior leadership team and help share the next phase of the business at such an exciting point for Catella APAM. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the team over the past three years and am proud of the progress we’ve made in building an integrated asset management platform. It’s also great to see Rhys and William recognised for their continued impact and leadership.”

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Turner & Townsend appoints Emma Gilthorpe as Chief Transformation Officer

Turner & Townsend appoints Emma Gilthorpe as Chief Transformation Officer

Turner & Townsend, the global programme management company, with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries, has appointed Emma Gilthorpe as Chief Transformation Officer. In this newly created role, which forms a key part of Turner & Townsend’s global growth strategy, Emma will be responsible for driving global transformation across its operating platform, including embracing the opportunities of AI and technology to achieve its ambition to become the world’s leading programme management business. Bringing more than 20 years of experience in leading complex business transformation, strategy and operational performance improvement, Emma was most recently Chief Executive of Royal Mail in the UK. Here she led the 500-year-old business and its 130,000 strong workforce back to profitability in a single year by creating a technology-centred environment founded on an aligned and empowered leadership team. Emma previously spent nearly 15 years on the executive team at Heathrow Airport, most recently navigating the organisation through the Covid-19 pandemic as Chief Operations Officer.  Earlier in her tenure, Emma established Heathrow’s expansion programme, a £30bn, 25-year project to significantly increase airport capacity whilst also delivering binding commitments to reduce aircraft noise, improve public transport and local air quality and cut carbon emissions. At Turner & Townsend, Emma will work with Chief Operating Officer David Whysall in executing the company’s strategy, to help build leading solutions for its clients across the world in real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources. David Whysall, Chief Operating Officer, Turner & Townsend, said: “We are delighted to welcome Emma to our global leadership team. The significance of her appointment demonstrates the size of our ambition. Emma is one of our industry’s most prominent figures with a tremendous track record of operating and delivering significant transformation across a range of large, multi-sector organisations and will play an integral role in accelerating our own global growth ambitions. “Emma’s role in overseeing Heathrow’s transition to become one of the world’s leading infrastructure operators will be very relevant as we continue to support our clients’ deliver major complex programmes.” Emma Gilthorpe, Chief Transformation Officer, Turner & Townsend, said: “I am excited to be joining a fantastic business which I had first-hand experience of as a client during my time at Heathrow. I am looking forward to working with a great team of people at what is a pivotal time in the company’s growth journey.” Emma originally qualified as a barrister and is currently a non-executive director at Manchester Airports Group Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Workman makes 57 promotions following year of growth

Workman makes 57 promotions following year of growth

Workman has made 57 promotions across the business, including seven new Partners. The promotions follow a year of sustained growth, and reflect the firm’s continued investment in specialist capability. The promotions span all 11 UK offices and cover a broad range of service lines; from property management, including retail & leisure, to building consultancy, client accounts, sustainability, compliance, and HR. The geographic spread and breadth of disciplines reflect a business growing consistently across every part of the firm, while evolving with the creation of new teams in areas like building safety and data analytics. The seven new Partners are: Matthew Pateman, Managing Partner, said: “We’re a property firm, but we’re really a people business. These 57 promotions are the clearest sign of that. People have grown here, built careers here, and are now leading the next chapter of what Workman is becoming. That’s exactly what we’re working towards — building the kind of firm where talented people can do the best work of their careers.” Charlotte Bradley, Group Head of HR, said: “Fifty-seven promotions, including seven new Partners – and every single one of them has earned it. We’re in a period of real progression at Workman, and the people being recognised today are central to that. We are building the best culture in the sector, and that takes genuine investment in the people who show up and deliver every day.” With more than 900 specialists across 11 UK offices and a growing presence in Europe, Workman continues to develop talent at every level. The firm recruited 35 graduates and apprentices in 2025, with further intake planned for 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Newmark strengthens UK retail capability with senior director hire

Newmark strengthens UK retail capability with senior director hire

Newmark has expanded its UK retail team with the appointment of Josh Braid as a director, reinforcing its capability in leasing, asset repositioning and retail led development advisory. In his new role, Braid will focus on delivering leasing strategies for landlords, while advising on the repositioning and activation of retail and leisure destinations. His remit will also include supporting clients in enhancing asset performance and driving long term portfolio value across a range of retail and mixed use schemes. Braid joins from Knight Frank, where he led the Central London retail agency team alongside the firm’s cross border retail operations. With more than 15 years of experience, he has advised landlords, occupiers and investors across London and wider European markets. His track record includes leading leasing strategies on high profile developments such as The Old War Office and Knightsbridge Gate, as well as securing flagship lettings along Oxford Street for brands including Krispy Kreme and Samsonite. This experience is expected to support Newmark’s continued growth within the retail and leisure sector, particularly as landlords seek to reposition assets in response to evolving consumer behaviour. David Harper, head of UK retail at Newmark, said the appointment adds significant market expertise to the business, particularly in navigating complex retail environments and unlocking value across major schemes. Braid added that Newmark’s integrated platform, combining specialist knowledge with global reach, positions the firm strongly to support clients as retail destinations continue to evolve. He highlighted the importance of adapting leasing strategies and asset management approaches to reflect changing occupier and consumer demands. Newmark’s UK retail team advises a wide range of clients, with recent mandates including Bodycare, Crew Clothing and Accessorize. As part of a global retail network offering end to end advisory services, the firm continues to expand its presence and strengthen its position across international markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Richard Graybrook to lead Ramboll’s aviation market in UK&I and Europe

Richard Graybrook to lead Ramboll’s aviation market in UK&I and Europe

Richard’s appointment as the Aviation Director further strengthens Ramboll’s growing offer in the aviation sector  Global architecture, engineering, and sustainability consultancy Ramboll has today announced the appointment of Richard Graybrook as Aviation Lead for UK&I and Europe. In this role, Richard will lead Ramboll’s aviation business across the region with responsibility for major programmes and projects, driving innovation and embedding sustainability throughout project delivery.  Richard brings extensive experience in the aviation sector, having led multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex operations. He has a strong track record in delivering long-term operational strategies, as well as identifying innovative ways to design, develop, and deliver new processes.  Following service in the British Army, he later transitioned to the private sector, holding a series of senior leadership roles, most recently at Jacobs helping to grow their aviation business across Europe.  In his role as Aviation Director at Ramboll, Richad will draw on this experience to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders across the sector. He will apply his sector experience and leadership skills to drive innovation, challenge conventional thinking to deliver high-quality, sustainable solutions, playing a key role in advancing Ramboll’s ambition to act as the partner for sustainable change to its clients across the aviation market.  Commenting on Richard’s appointment, Neil Sansbury, Managing Director UK&I, Ramboll, said:  “Richard’s experience in leadership roles in the aviation industry speaks for itself and I am confident that he will play a significant role in further strengthening Ramboll’s presence across the aviation sector, a priority area for the business. He joins at an exciting time for our aviation business, and I’m pleased to welcome him to lead the team and support our ambitious growth plans. Sustainability is central to everything we do at Ramboll, and I am particularly encouraged by Richard’s focus on reinforcing our role as a partner for sustainable change for our aviation clients.  Richard Graybrook, Aviation Director, Ramboll, added: “Leading the Aviation team at Ramboll is an exciting opportunity with a huge potential for future growth. Ramboll has an excellent track record in aviation, and I look forward to building on this success by growing the business and the team. My priorities are to support my colleagues in delivering successful, innovative, and sustainable programmes to the highest standards.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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