Godwin bolsters BTR ambitions with a senior executive hire

UK property developer Godwin Developments has appointed leading industry figure Lesley Roberts, a highly experienced residential and Build to Rent (BTR) professional, as Director of BTR Operations.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Lesley has extensive high-level experience with both the BTR and PRS sectors, and for the last four years has been at the heart of shaping the UK’s Build to Rent offer as President of The UK Apartment Association (UKAA). Prior to joining Godwin, she served as a Partner at Allsop LLP and CEO of Allsop Letting and Management, where she advised developers and institutional investors on the acquisition, design, build and operation of large-scale BTR portfolios. A member of the British Property Federation’s (BPF) residential board, Lesley also toured the US studying the multifamily model there and was instrumental in the concept and development of the UKAA’s BTR Best Practice Guide launched in 2022. She was previously Chair of Soho Housing Association and held roles at Pinnacle Places, Young Group, and City Living London.

As Director of BTR Operations at Godwin Developments, Lesley will play a pivotal role in advancing the company’s plans to build a £1 billion national portfolio. Her main remit will be the creation of the BTR operational strategy across both the single and multifamily developments for the business. Working in close collaboration with internal teams and external providers, she will take ownership of operational performance and profitability while also delivering a leading customer experience.

Matt Chandler, Managing Director of Godwin Developments, commented: “Lesley is one of the most respected industry figures and a pre-eminent advocate of the UK BTR sector, with a superb track record and reputation for strategic and hands-on operational leadership. This is why we are delighted that she is joining us at such a key point in our journey toward the creation of our new BTR proposition. Her appointment is yet another demonstration of our commitment to strengthening the in-house team and delivering our strategic ambitions in the sector. We look forward to working with Lesley, leveraging her skills and expertise in BTR to achieve our business objective.”

Lesley Roberts, Director of BTR Operations, said: “It’s fantastic to have joined Godwin Developments at such a pivotal time for both the BTR industry and the business as its portfolio undergoes a significant period of growth. I am delighted to be able to use my many years of expertise in delivering quality homes, placemaking opportunities, and exceptional resident experiences to bring Godwin’s pipeline to life as well as build on the company’s positive momentum. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with the team, working closely with the Board, and engaging with external stakeholders for the benefit of residents, the company, and the wider UK BTR sector.”

While working for Godwin, Lesley will continue to play a major part in the residential industry, shaping the approaches to BTR and supporting the next generation of leaders. She is an active member of Women in Property and a supporter of Real Estate Balance among her other speaking, non-executive, mentor and volunteer positions.

Godwin Developments has a fast-growing nationwide residential portfolio with a particular focus on Build to Rent covering both multifamily and single-family housing. The company recently announced it had entered into a joint venture agreement with a leading institutional real estate investor to build a portfolio to the value of £1 billion.

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