Ivor Dickinson, former managing director of London’s Douglas & Gordon, has joined highly acquisitive Lomond Capital as regional chief executive.

His role will be to accelerate Lomond’s presence in the south of England.

Scottish-headquartered Lomond Capital has been expanding throughout Scotland by a series of major acquisitions of lettings businesses and has been heading steadily southwards down across England – currently as far as the midlands.

Lomond Capital was formed in 2010 and now manages a rental portfolio in excess of £1.75bn across Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester.

It received private equity backing from MML Capital Partners last year to build on its momentum and accelerate future expansion in the UK’s rapidly expanding residential rental property market.

Dickinson grew Douglas & Gordon from three offices to its position as one of London’s most innovative and respected estate agency and lettings management businesses.

There was puzzlement when in 2013 it was announced that after 26 years with the company, Dickinson had gone on sabbatical, with a permanent departure subsequently confirmed.

Stuart Pender, Lomond Capital chief executive, said: “Ivor has joined the company to accelerate our acquisition strategy in the south of England and eventually London, where his reputation and experience will be invaluable.

“This move is a key element in our strategy to build a regional network of strong property management businesses in the UK.

“Ultimately we are committed to demonstrating that residential property is a viable institutional investment proposition. To achieve that goal we are building a critical mass of professional expertise in the strongest private rental regions throughout the country.”

Dickinson said: “I was very sad to leave D&G after such a long career. However, there comes a time when a change can be beneficial both for the company and the individual, and I was looking for a new challenge.

“When Lomond’s chief executive and chairman, Stuart Pender and Roger Lane-Smith, approached me and explained their vision for the UK’s letting market, it was instantly clear that this was the role I had been waiting for and I was delighted to accept.

“Lomond Capital has very strong backing from the City and an incredibly impressive senior management team.

“I look forward to drawing swords with my old adversaries in London in due course.”