The move will eventually see Marks become president of the BPF in two year's time, when he will become the sector trade body's first president to come from a private equity real estate fund.
Meanwhile Great Portland Estate chief executive Toby Courtauld is the new BPF president for a one year term, taking over from former Hammerson chief executive John Richards. British Land chief executive Chris Grigg succeeded Courtauld as senior vice president, and so is in line to become BPF president next July.
Liz Peace, chief executive of the BPF, said: "I am delighted that David has joined the management team at the BPF after years of invaluable work as one of the Federation's senior members. He brings with him enormous experience of investment and management across all property classes, and a strong understanding of the myriad challenges facing our industry over the coming years.
"At a time when bank lending to the property industry is at an all-time low, David's knowledge of alternative avenues of capital will be invaluable in the continued recovery of the industry.
"Our continued success in representing the industry is down to the involvement and commitment of our members, and David's guidance will benefit us tremendously over the coming years."
David Marks said: "The BPF has played a central role in working with Government and you only need look at March's Budget for evidence of its work from REIT reform, the disaggregation of SDLT in the residential investment sector and planning changes – all of which it has been championing for many years.
"It is vital the property industry continues to support the BPF in its work with Government. I am honoured to have been asked to be junior president of the BPF and very much look forward to strengthening that voice working alongside Toby Courtauld, Chris Grigg and the BPF team."
