Naomi Heaton returns as chair of LCP Private Office
Naomi Heaton, founder of The Other House, has been appointed executive chair at LCP Private Office, marking her return to the business she established in 1990.
The Other House’s three sites – South Kensington, Covent Garden and Belgravia – are being sold to a new owner, with the business set to operate under a revised strategy. Following her six-year tenure as CEO of The Other House Residents Club, a joint venture between LCP Private Office and Dutch pension provider APG, Heaton has chosen not to continue with the business under its new direction.
As part of the transaction, LCP Private Office will sell its shareholding in The Other House and will have no ongoing involvement in the business under its new ownership.
Heaton has been involved with LCP for over 30 years, including six years as a Non-Executive Director. In her new executive role, she will focus on supporting investors in serviced and student accommodation, hospitality, private members clubs and hybrid living, drawing on her experience in the sector.
Heaton commented: “As The Other House enters its next phase, I have chosen to step aside and return to LCP Private Office in an executive role, where I will continue to focus on long-term, innovative values-driven property strategies for private and corporate clients. I’m really looking forward to this new chapter and to building on the work I’m most passionate about.”
Savills strengthens Surrey lettings teams with two senior appointments
Savills has appointed two new heads of department to its lettings teams in Surrey.
Helen Hudson will lead the firm’s Cobham lettings team. She brings over ten years of experience in the property sector, having worked across Savills’ lettings business in London.
In her new role, Hudson will oversee the Cobham lettings department and coordinate with neighbouring offices in Elmbridge, including Esher, Sunningdale and Weybridge, as well as London-based colleagues. The department also works with Savills’ corporate relocation clients, including those moving to the area for international schooling at ACS Cobham.
Hudson commented: “After many years working in Prime Central London lettings, I am delighted to now call Surrey home. I look forward to being able to draw on my experience in the capital while embracing Surrey’s strong sense of community and local market dynamics. It’s a pleasure to be taking on the role leading Savills Cobham lettings team and to be working together as a department to support our clients in achieving their goals. ”
Meanwhile, in Guildford, Kieran Rigley has been appointed head of lettings for Guildford, Farnham and the surrounding villages. He will work as part of the multi-discipline Guildford office, which includes teams covering new homes, sales, development and planning.
Rigley joined Savills in 2016 as a lettings negotiator in Battersea and Clapham and has progressed through several senior roles, most recently serving as head of lettings in Ealing for six years.
Rigley said: “The Guildford lettings team is strong, dynamic and highly motivated, and I’m delighted to be working alongside them, as well as our neighbouring offices, to deliver exceptional results for Savills clients. After ten years in London, I’m excited to bring my market knowledge to Surrey as we continue to grow Savills presence across Guildford, Farnham and the surrounding villages.”
Laura Lane, head of Surrey and Southern region lettings, added: “A fundamental reset of the rental market is underway with the Renters Right Act becoming law in May, and Helen and Kieran’s long-standing industry expertise puts them both in an excellent position to support clients with their property needs.
“Guildford is seeing significant redevelopment, and Kieran is ideally placed to advise investors on the opportunities emerging from this, working closely with colleagues in the Savills new homes team, also based in the Guildford office. Meanwhile, with her deep expertise in the prime lettings market, Helen will be a tremendous asset to our regional offering. I am confident their teams will continue to go from strength to strength under their leadership.”
Winckworth Sherwood strengthens Real Estate team with partner hire
Winckworth Sherwood has appointed Sarbjeet Gill as a partner in its Real Estate Development team.
Gill joined the firm on 2 February from Gateley, where she was a partner in the real estate practice. Her work includes advising housebuilders on site acquisitions, disposals and build-to-rent projects.
Sarb said: “Winckworth Sherwood is a genuine leader in the real estate market, with particular expertise in complex and large‑scale sites, strategic partnerships and joint venture structures.”
Richard Tinham, managing partner at Winckworth Sherwood, added: “We are delighted that Sarb has chosen to join the firm. Her strong presence in the Midlands market and impressive credentials align perfectly with our commitment to strategic growth and our clients’ geographical focus.”
The firm has made five partner appointments so far this year. These include Tim Foley in Property Litigation from Freeths; Charlie Hancock in Private Client from Forsters; Arcangelo D’Apolito, a tax specialist qualified in England and Wales and Italy, in Private Client; Gill in Real Estate Development from Gateley; and Shazia Bashir in Social Housing from TLT.