Watkin Jones announced trio of senior hires

Watkin Jones has made a series of senior hires.

The build-to-rent and student specialist has appointed a new partnerships director, investment director and portfolio manager.

Will White, formerly higher education engagement director at Unite, joins in the first role, where he will manage strategic relationships with universities and other stakeholders.

Romain Palpacuer, meanwhile, joins as investment director from Avanton, a luxury property development company.

Watkin Jones’ new portfolio manager is James Lambert, who most recently worked at investment manager TPG Angelo Gordon.

“These appointments bring a strong blend of investment expertise, partnership experience and portfolio management capability, which will be vital as we continue to identify and deliver high quality opportunities aligned with our broader strategies,” said George Dyer, group investment director.

In its latest results, published at the end of last year, Watkin Jones recorded a drop in revenue, from £362m to £280m, and a statutory pre-tax loss of £8.7m, down from a £0.3m loss the year prior.

Adjusted figures, showing pre-tax profit before exceptional charges, put profit at £5.6m in the year, down from £9.2m.