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GPT Halverton, a leading pan European real estate investment manager, announces today that it has appointed Richard James as Chief Financial Officer, Hugh Fraser as Head of Debt and Catherine Barnes as Compliance Manager.

These three senior appointments continue GPT Halverton’s strategy of establishing a ‘best-in-breed’ pan European investment management platform.

As GPT Halverton’s Chief Financial Officer and a member of the European Management Board, Richard James, the former chief financial officer of Curzon Global Partners, will be responsible for all group (including treasury) and fund financial management, as well as overseeing the activities of the various finance resources throughout GPT Halverton’s corporate, country and fund structures. He will also liaise closely with the new business team in relation to the structuring of new funds and putting new debt lines in place. He replaces Andrew Yates who is due to retire this year (but will remain as a Non Executive Director on GPT Halverton’s European Management Board).

Hugh Fraser, a former director of European structured finance at Eurohypo AG, will be responsible for all debt origination and documentation, working closely with Teresa Gilchrist, GPT Halverton’s Director of New Business. Hugh will also work alongside the fund teams and Richard James in relation to ongoing debt management.

As Compliance Manager, Catherine Barnes, who for the previous five years has been at the Financial Services Authority, is responsible for ensuring the processes, systems and controls in GPT Halverton comply with FSA regulations to enable GPT Halverton to deliver its objectives to investors and ensure all FSA requirements including reports and notifications are met.

Richard Croft, the Chief Executive of GPT Halverton, commented:

“These appointments underline our commitment to building a best-in-breed investment management platform across Europe and will be invaluable in both helping us raise new funds going forward and subsequently deploying capital. Richard James has a wealth of senior financial experience which, coupled with the fact that he was previously CFO of a well respected investment management company, will be of considerable benefit to us as we continue to grow our business.”

“In the current markets, and going forward, having Hugh as Head of Debt and accessing his experience and contacts will be extremely beneficial in progressing our plans, particularly when combined with the skills and experience of Richard and Catherine.”

On his appointment, Richard James said:

“I very much look forward to joining such a dynamic business and I recognise that a strong investment management platform is crucial to support GPT Halverton’s growth plans.”

Hugh Fraser added:

“In current financial markets, debt origination and management plays a significant role in the real estate business. I look forward to using my experience in these areas as GPT Halverton continues to progress its business plan.”

Catherine Barnes said:

“I look forward to working alongside GPT Halverton’s investment management team as we aim to deliver our objectives to investors.”

source : GPT Halverton