An M&G Real Estate manager — who for the past four years has overseen investment funds of more than £9bn — has been chosen to spearhead the firm’s drive to attract more international clients.
Deputy fund manager Martin Towns will now take over as the property investment company’s first head of capital solutions, identifying opportunities for global investors to increase their exposure to the UK, continental Europe and Asian property markets.
Working with M&G Real Estate’s deal origination and investment management teams, and reporting directly to its global chief investment officer Tony Brown, he will generate account strategies and create joint venture vehicles and club transactions for investors.
During his 13 years of real estate fund management experience Towns was director of commercial property with City of London financial advisors Close Brothers, where he established and managed a series of property funds in the UK and Europe.
“There is an increasing trend in global real estate for large international and sovereign wealth investors to partner with established fund managers on deals, joint ventures and separate accounts,” explained Brown. “Having already established a separate accounts division in response to this trend, we felt it was time to dedicate a senior resource to meet our aspirations and Martin’s appointment reflects the depth of talent we have within M&G Real Estate.”
Commercial property solicitor Ben Lamb — whose clients include the Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, investors and developers ATC Properties and retailers Morrisons and Greenwoods Menswear — has been promoted to partner by Yorkshire law firm Gordons.
Originally training at Magic Circle law firm Allen & Overy, he moved to Gordons’ commercial property team after six years with the City of London practice Field Fisher Waterhouse. “Throughout his time with us, Ben has shown himself to be an ambitious and commercially astute lawyer,” commented Paul Ayre, Gordons’ managing partner. “He has also developed excellent relationships with some of the firm’s most important clients.”
During his time with the firm, Lamb’s work has included advising Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation on a disposal programme at its London headquarters in Victoria. He is also acting for Leeds-based Shawbrook Developments on the development and disposal strategy for the 70-acre Burnley Bridge Business Park.
Birmingham property consultancy CPBigwood has prompted Louise Fassnidge to associate partner. A specialist in asset management, complex budget structures, legal structures and developing client relations, she will lead the New Business Technical Set-ups team.
Law firm DLA Piper has recruited the president of the Planning and Development Association to its Birmingham real estate team. Trevor Ivory, who is also the first lawyer to hold the national association title, is joining from Howes Percival where he was head of planning and environment from 2010.
Chartered surveyors, Edwards & Co, has recruited Martin Hamer as an investment director to bolster its transactions team. Previously a divisional director at Capita, he has 15 years’ investment experience with extensive knowledge of the North West property market. Before Capita Hamer was head of Collier’s investment team in Manchester.
Savills has appointed a new director at its Leeds office. Josh Sadgrove will now head the property service provider’s Yorkshire building and project consultancy division.
Story: Cliff Goodwin
Photo: Bigstock
Previous Post
Taylor Weaver negotiates Three-Way Deals
