Barwood Capital has bolstered its team with a new senior hire and an internal promotion.
Will Dickens, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the real estate industry, has joined the company as head of business development. Dickens previously worked for King Sturge (JLL), Citi and more recently Yoo Capital.
In his new role, he will focus on leading the capital raising efforts across Barwood’s various funds, vehicles and mandates in both the commercial and residential sectors, including seeking strategic co-investment and joint venture partners.
Barwood has also promoted Danielle Sheppard to head of performance and impact. Her new role will focus on ensuring that Barwood’s funds and mandates deliver optimal returns for investors, while upholding the company’s commitment to making a positive societal and environmental impact.
Dickens (pictured) said: “The bottoming out of the UK property market during 2024, and availability of debt improving, means that we are seeing significant interest in UK property from both domestic and international investors. I look forward to bringing my wider relationships into the Barwood fold as the market picks up pace, supporting the company at an exciting time in its growth trajectory.”
Sheppard added: “I’m incredibly excited to embark on this new role, which will give me primary responsibility for managing the commercial mandates at Barwood. This is a particularly exciting step in my journey, due to the current diversity and ambition of the company’s investments across the UK. Barwood has a long-standing reputation for unlocking value from underperforming and under-managed real estate – a mission that aligns closely with my passion for sustainable investment and driving investor returns.”
Hugh Elrington, managing director at Barwood, said: “Our people have always been our greatest asset, and we’re proud to be able to continue attracting strong talent and giving existing team members the opportunity to grow their career. I’m confident that they will play in an integral role in the success of the business going forward, supporting Barwood’s next stage of growth and helping us to achieve our purpose to innovate and unlock value in both the commercial and residential markets.”
