Cambridge-based property investor and developer Howard Group has announced the appointment of Katherine Friend to the new role of Director – Investment & Asset Management.
A highly experienced real estate professional, Katherine has spent over 20 years’ leading and delivering a wide range of fund and asset management solutions for key stakeholders. Her most recent role was Fund Manager for the UK Outlet Mall Partnership at Nuveen Real Estate – one of the largest real estate investment managers in the world – an organisation which Katherine first joined in 2006. During her time at Nuveen, Katherine held a variety of positions including Board Director and Asset Manager for The Bullring Limited Partnership and Head of Asset Management for UK Retail Warehousing. Prior to this she worked at both Savills and Aviva plc, with cross sector experience including retail, leisure, office and industrial.
As a committed long-term investor, the new role will directly address Howard Group’s strategic priority to grow the core investment business through investment and asset management of the Group’s property portfolio; whilst keeping Howard Group’s core objective to deliver positive and lasting commercial, environmental and social value at the forefront.
Werner Baumker, Group Director – Property, Howard Group said: “We are delighted to welcome Katherine to the property team. The property industry, once slow to adapt, is changing at pace and we are mindful of the need to be prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Katherine’s experience will help us proactively identify and progress opportunities to add value across our portfolio and her knowledge and insight will play an integral role in the delivery of our property strategy. As a team, we are very much looking forward to Katherine’s contribution as we emerge from this time of unparalleled disruption and continue our growth story.”
Katherine Friend added: “I feel privileged to be joining Howard Group at such a pivotal point in the development of the organisation. The newly created role provides a rare opportunity to join a forward-thinking team, dedicated to delivering best in class property solutions across a rapidly evolving built environment. I very much look forward to working as part of that team to ensure the portfolio continues to deliver positive and lasting commercial, social and environmental value.”
