Home: London, England. Age: Older than I look, but still sharp as ever. Profession: Real estate executive, specializing in investment management and asset development. Organization: Greycoat Real Estate LLP. Title: CEO. Alma mater: University of Oxford (MChem).
Current project: Overseeing strategic asset management initiatives at Greycoat. Recent recognition: Recognized for my role in enhancing Greycoat’s market presence through successful real estate projects. Recent professional development: Led the acquisition of the highest value single asset office property to trade in the UK in 2024. Latest contribution to others: My role as a trustee at Chickenshed Theatre has been fulfilling, supporting inclusive arts in the community. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Joining Greycoat as CEO in 2012 and repositioning the brand from asset management consultancy to a full-service operating partner for central London offices. Hobbies: Spending quality time with family and friends, cooking and hosting. Last book read: The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg.
Personality profile: Analytical, adaptable, empathetic. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: I rely on the principle of fairness and integrity in all decisions. If it aligns with maintaining trust and transparency, it’s the right choice. How do you define a perfect friendship? Supporting each other through both successes and challenges and enjoying each other’s company without judgment. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Clear communication, trust in each other’s expertise and a collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision-making. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Strategic. Whether it’s discussing plans, decisions, or even lunch options, I find a way to make it ‘strategic’. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? I enjoy investing in experiences that enrich my understanding of history and culture. How do you relieve stress? Cooking, spending time with family, maybe hosting a barbecue. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Traveling to my house in the south of France to spend time with family and friends.
What book have you repeatedly read? “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t, by Jim Collins. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A collection of framed photographs and a large, framed map of central London. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My former mentor at Rockpoint, who inspired me to pursue a path in real estate investment and management. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Success isn’t just about achieving your goals. It’s also about how you get there. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Always focus on the fundamentals. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? GIS tools have revolutionized how we analyze and visualize property data. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Exploring urban architecture and designs, observing how buildings interact with their surroundings, and imagining future possibilities.
What is your big idea?
To build a very experienced, deep team focused on specific market segments and about to deliver a competitive advantage in the game.
What change would you like to see in the world? A fundamental shift towards sustainable practices across all industries. What widely held belief do you reject? That economic growth must come at the expense of environmental sustainability. What mega-trend most excites you? Energy efficiency as a key criterion. What mega-trend most concerns you? The rapidly changing regulatory environment and its potential impact on real estate investment strategies.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Sir Winston Churchill. Hearing his insights on navigating challenges and shaping history would be incredibly enlightening. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? I remember wanting to be a scientist, discovering new elements or inventing groundbreaking compounds that could change the world. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Family photo albums. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Surrounded by my family and closest friends in a peaceful setting, perhaps by the sea or in the countryside, reminiscing about cherished memories. I would ensure that each person knows how much they mean to me. What advice would you give your younger self? Embrace change as a chance to learn and shape your path with confidence. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The birth of my children. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My early career years, which I would approach with more confidence and assertiveness.
Personal mission: To lead with integrity and drive innovation in the real estate industry. Favorite quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts” (Winston Churchill).
