Meet the team

Adam Smith is a Chartered Property Consultant (FCIOB, MAPM, MIWFM) with over 35 years’ experience leading major estate strategies, capital programmes, and transformation initiatives across local government, Parliament, and the wider public sector. He has a long track record of helping councils unlock the value of underused assets, redesign property functions, and deliver sustainable, service-aligned estate strategies. Adam has worked extensively with Local Authorities, overseeing portfolios of around 800 assets, delivering construction programmes valued at £260m, leading TUPE transfers, implementing Corporate Landlord models, and developing long-term investment, co-location, leisure, and depot strategies. He has also driven major property team transformations, new operating models, and budget sustainability programmes that align estates with future service requirements. 

His experience in Parliament, including responsibility for the migration of 455 MPs and 3,400 staff, complex real estate negotiations, and strategic leadership on the £600m Northern Estate Programme, gives him deep insight into operating in highly political, complex environments. This experience now benefits Civic Place’s local authority partners seeking clarity, governance strength, and delivery confidence. Beyond his professional work, Adam is Chairman of High Wycombe Lawn Tennis Club and takes a keen interest in global culinary traditions, enjoying exploring food cultures from around the world.

Paul began his career as an RAF Officer, flying Tornado aircraft until 2004. During his service he developed strong leadership, operational discipline and strategic decision-making skills, and completed an MBA to prepare for a commercial career beyond the military.

After leaving the RAF, he spent two years in management consulting, supporting organisations through performance improvement, operational efficiency and strategic change. He then founded his own online training business, gaining hands-on experience in digital product development and commercial growth.

In 2010, he acquired an established business, scaled it threefold and successfully exited at a six-times valuation. This achievement strengthened his expertise in scaling operations, value creation and business restructuring.

Since 2018, he has focused on property and development. His experience spans the full lifecycle of the sector: sourcing and acquiring sites, securing planning permissions, overseeing development, and delivering exits either through sale or, more recently, by building out planning consents himself. He brings a commercial, analytical and delivery-focused mindset to every project, underpinned by real-world experience across multiple sectors.

Mike Salem advises Civic Place on its communications, external relations and strategic governance. With a background in political strategy and campaigning, Mike brings experiences of engaging with a range of stakeholders, be it Parliamentarians or the public. Originally from Syria, Mike read PPE at the LSE before working in the public policy sphere, where he contributes to the discourse by appearing in the media. Mike has worked on digital markets and technology, lifestyle regulations and food policies. 

Outside his work, Mike is a keen tennis player where he is also involved in transformation plans. Mike also plays the Bassoon and serves as Secretary of the Marlow Orchestra.