Appointment: Irish property expert Killian O'Higgins has figured in a shake up at the top of the international real estate group DTZ.

Mr O'Higgins, currently managing director Europe (excluding the UK), has been appointed managing director of the entire EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) including the UK.

His colleague Tim Hodgson, currently chief operations officer in the UK, takes on the new role of group chief operating officer.

DTZ Holdings said the changes are being made in recognition of the ongoing progress in DTZ's international business, the increasing amount of cross-border activity and the further integration of pan-European business lines.