Edinburgh-based Standard Life Investments, one of Europe’s largest real estate investors managing about £18.2 billion of real estate-related assets, has announced some big changes to its team.

Svitlana Gubriy has been appointed head of Global REIT funds at the firm and James Britton appointed fund manager of its Global Real Estate Fund.

Andrew Jackson, head of wholesale & listed real estate funds, has resigned from Standard Life Investments after 25 years of service “to pursue other interests.”

Jackson will remain with the business until October 2016 to ensure a smooth period of transition, and a further member of the listed real estate team will be recruited.

Gubriy joined Standard Life Investments in 2005 and is currently fund manager for the Global REIT Focus Fund (SICAV), and deputy fund manager on the Global REIT Fund (unit trust) and she will now also become fund manager of the unit trust.

Britton is fund manager of both the Standard Life Unit Linked Life Fund and the advisory mandate for South Yorkshire Pensions Authority.

Britton, who joined Standard Life Investments in 2006, worked as portfolio manager on the Global Real Estate Fund from 2009 to 2013 managing a specific strategy in Brazil.

David Paine, head of real estate, Standard Life Investments, said: “Andrew has made a significant contribution to the team over 25 years at Standard Life Investments.

“Starting in property research he has held a number of roles within the team.

“He played a key role in creating the innovative Global Real Estate Fund as well as the development of our Global REIT funds and the management of the team responsible for both SLIPIT and the SLI UK Property Fund.

“He has decided to leave to pursue other interests, but is staying until October to ensure a smooth transition for his team and our clients.

“I would like to thank Andrew personally for his help, support and contribution to the business over the many years we have worked together.”