Woodbourne Group has appointed Luke Baker from Tesco as the company’s new chief investment officer (CIO).
Baker previously served as head of property at Tesco Pension Investment where he was responsible for more than £6bn of real estate and private markets assets.
Prior to that, he was a fund manager at Aviva Investors, where he was responsible for its UK-balanced real estate fund, Aviva Investors Pensions, alongside a number of value-add and opportunistic real estate investment platforms.
At Woodbourne Group, he will play a key role across deal origination, capital structuring and project delivery, with a particular focus on accelerating the next phases of the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter scheme.
Tani Dulay, chief executive officer of Woodbourne Group, said: “Luke brings credible institutional investment experience that aligns with our growth plans. His track record at Tesco Pension Investment and Aviva Investors underpins a strong understanding of capital allocation, risk and performance, and strengthens our ability to deliver our pipeline at pace with disciplined execution.”
Baker added: “I am excited to be taking on this new role at Woodbourne Group at such an important point in its growth. Birmingham Knowledge Quarter represents a significant opportunity to deliver best-in-class space for innovation-led businesses and to reposition the district’s economic vibrancy and built environment. I look forward to contributing to its next phase of delivery and bringing forward other regeneration opportunities across Birmingham and the West Midlands.”
