The new living-focused real estate investment management business Aboria Capital has appointed Eric Byrne, former head of UBS Asset Management’s real estate and private markets multi-manager business, as a senior adviser.
Byrne co-founded UBS Asset Management’s circa $50bn real estate multi-manager business in 2007 and led the business from 2013 to 2024. He held the post of CEO of UBS’ UK Asset Management business for five years, while retaining his global multi-manager responsibilities.
In his new role, he will provide the Aboria leadership team with strategic counsel to help accelerate the firm’s growth.
Aboria was established in 2024 as a joint venture between the Downing Group, led by Bay Downing, and Jessica Hardman, former CEO of DWS UK and head of European portfolio management, to invest in the living sector, with an initial focus on the UK market. In the longer term, Aboria intends to expand into Europe.
Jessica Hardman, CEO of Aboria Capital, said: “Eric’s appointment as senior adviser bolsters Aboria’s investment management governance and strategic thinking at a pivotal stage as we bring our proposition to market. His outstanding reputation and extensive global network will be instrumental in enhancing our ability to position the business most effectively for global institutions and allocators seeking exposure to the real estate sector’s most compelling asset class through a proven team.
“With a unique pipeline aligned to long-term structural trends, we are well-positioned to accelerate our strategy while identifying and executing on additional high-value opportunities across our core conviction living sub-sectors.”
Byrne added: “What excites me about Aboria is the unique combination of expertise that the business brings together, with Downing’s longstanding operational and development track record in the Living sector joining forces with the extensive investment management expertise from Jessica and the wider team.
“Furthermore, the seeding through Downing’s market-leading portfolio provides multiple investment routes via stable day-one income and rare access to a pipeline of prime PBSA opportunities, presenting a hugely compelling investment proposition. I look forward to working with Jessica, Bay and the entire Aboria team to accelerate the business’ growth, capitalising on this high-potential, underserved segment of the market.”
