The Dot Group has appointed Paddy Allen as the new chief executive officer of Kinetic Capital – its specialist lender to the purpose-built student accommodation sector (PBSA).
Allen, who has nearly 20 years’ experience in the real estate industry, is currently head of operational capital markets at Colliers. He will join the business at the end of the summer.
Steve Grant, who co-founded Kinetic in 2020 with Nicholas Porter, CEO of Dot, will transition within the group to become Dot’s chief corporate development officer while continuing to work closely with Kinetic, ensuring a smooth transition until Allen’s arrival.
In his new role, Grant will be responsible for corporate development globally, leading major transactions, M&A, partnerships and new market development across all group businesses.
Porter said: “Having worked with Steve for over 20 years, his unrivalled knowledge of the group and deep sector expertise will be instrumental in achieving strategic and focused growth. This move signifies the level of opportunity that exists for our group and appetite to build out our growing team and attract high-calibre talent.
“Steve and Paddy are exceptional executives with significant experience in the PBSA sector who will play key roles in Dot’s future success. Paddy’s expertise in student housing and debt supports and accelerates Kinetic’s growth, building on the strong foundations laid by Steve and the team. I am incredibly excited about what lies ahead, and I am looking forward to welcoming Paddy to form part of the Dot journey.”
Allen added: “Kinetic Capital is the market leader in student housing debt and it is a really exciting time to join. Steve and his team have built an incredible business with a differentiated approach and unparalleled sector expertise. I am very excited to be taking the helm for its next phase of development.”
Grant said: “Dot is a truly unique group of businesses with amazing opportunity, and I am looking forward to driving further growth and taking advantage of the many targets in the global student living sector. I am also immensely proud of what we have achieved at Kinetic, and I am confident that Paddy is very well placed to expand and grow the Kinetic offering.”
