PLATFORM_ announces string of senior hires

25 Jan PLATFORM_ announces string of senior hires

PLATFORM_, a leading developer and operator in the build-to-rent sector, has made a series of senior appointments as the company gears up to continue its expansion in 2018 after a successful 2017.

Jonathan Rae, Finance Director of PLATFORM_

The executive team has been strengthened by the appointment of Jonathan Rae as Finance Director. Jonathan was previously at British Land, the FTSE 100 Real Estate Investment Trust, where he held a number of senior finance positions including Head of Finance for the £7bn Retail division and Head of Investor Relations. PLATFORM_’s Chief Executive Jean-Marc Vandevivere was also previously at British Land as Head of Strategy and subsequently Head of Residential.

In the development team, Johan Liebenberg joins PLATFORM_ as Senior Project Manager. Johan joins from Quintain where he was Technical and Project Manager. In this role, he oversaw the development of over 850 build-to-rent apartments under the developer’s rental brand Tipi. Johan also led the development and integration of new technologies specific to build-to-rent properties across Quintain’s portfolio.

Chris Ray has also joined the PLATFORM_ development team as a Project Manager.  Chris previously worked at Gulf Related and Jones Lang LaSalle Dubai gaining development experience on a range of real estate projects across the UK and the Middle East, focusing on residential and leisure.

In March 2017, PLATFORM_ transferred its first phase of build-to-rent developments into a joint venture partnership with Invesco Real Estate. This portfolio comprises 580 apartments across five schemes in key commuter towns and employment hubs such as Exeter, Bedford, Bracknell, Crawley and Stevenage and is now virtually fully occupied.

PLATFORM_ continues to operate this portfolio on behalf of the joint venture and is now embarking on a second phase of developments with the aim of committing over 5,000 units during its first five years. Last April, PLATFORM_ announced a new-build development in Sheffield city centre, where it plans to deliver over 350 purpose-built apartments alongside a host of on-site amenities.

Jean Marc-Vandevivere, Chief Executive of PLATFORM_, said:

“As we prepare to deliver our first new-build project and secure additional sites, while still delivering great value to our existing customers and investors, the expertise of these new hires bring will prove invaluable.  I’m also looking forward to working with Jon again.”

Jonathan Rae, Finance Director of PLATFORM_, said:

“The build-to-rent sector is set for huge expansion across the UK, reflected in the large amount of capital targeting it.  The existing operations and expertise of PLATFORM_ position it to be a leader in this market.  I’m very pleased to be joining the team and excited about the opportunities for the business as it moves to its next phase of growth.”

-ENDS-