IPAV CEO to step down

Pat Davitt, the chief executive of the IPAV (Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers), has signalled his intention to step down from his role at the end of the year, after almost a decade.

The Westmeath man said: “It is with a heavy heart I will be leaving an organisation I have been so privileged to serve, to be able to have worked with property, my passion, and to lead the IPAV for 10 incredible years.

“Auctioneers, valuers and estate agents play a crucial role in the lives of consumers and businesses throughout the country, and the IPAV has been instrumental in growing standards in the profession and I would like to think that I have given strong leadership in that regard,” he said.

“As the IPAV is a members organisation, assisting members has always been a priority for me. I thank them for their friendship over the years and will miss the inspirational contact with them. I also thank a wonderful staff at the IPAV for all their help and friendship over the years.”

During his term Pat oversaw many major initiatives, including the introduction of The ‘Blue Book’ European valuation standards to Ireland in 2013, the introduction of the IPAV’s first ever bill, the Seller’s Legal Pack for Property Buyers Bill 2021, to the Oireachtas, and the setting up of a cross party Oireachtas committee on housing.

Mr Davitt said over the last decade, the IPAV has grown into the national voice of auctioneers and valuers in Ireland; its membership has more than doubled, as has its education and training programmes for members and aspiring auctioneers, and it has become a leader in developing standards for the profession.

He has served on a number of Irish and European boards, including TEGOVA, the European Group of Valuers Associations, representing 70 national valuers associations from 38 countries.

He was a member of the Auctioneering Review group in 2004, brought in to advise on future standards for auctioneering, and served on the Property Services Regulatory Authority.

Gerry Coffey, IPAV president said Pat Davitt has combined leadership with passion. “He has shown real vision and ambition for the organisation, has made an enormous contribution to the IPAV and the auctioneering and valuation professions nationally and we extend our thanks to him for his contribution.

“Our profession is represented in every city and town in Ireland. We have always been close to those whom we represent. We are enormously grateful to Pat and proud of what he has contributed to the evolution of the IPAV over the last decade.

“His unbounding energy and drive are universally recognised. He has made an enormous contribution in what has been a challenging decade. He will be a hard act to follow.

“We wish Pat, his wife Paula and their sons, Patrick and Michael, the very best in the future.”

Mr Davitt will stay in the role of chief executive until a successor is appointed.