Office Ready Tech hires former GPE manager

Office Ready Tech, a real estate technology advisory firm, has hired a head of projects, reuniting its new chief executive with a former colleague from investor-developer GPE. Niki Portman will join the firm later this week after four years as a technical manager at GPE. Jack Kelly, Office Ready Tech’s chief executive and former head of flex customer experience at GPE, described Portman’s hire as a “milestone” for the firm. “With extensive experience in mechanical and electrical services and property, working with industry leaders such as NG Bailey, GPE and Tishman Speyer, Niki brings a tenacious, customer-first approach and deep technical expertise that perfectly align with ORT’s mission,” he said. “As technology continues to help shape the future of workplaces, Niki will play a pivotal role in leading our growing portfolio of tech installation projects, ensuring we deliver meaningful, tailored solutions that will enhance both customer experience and sustainability.” In an interview with EG earlier this year, Kelly said his earlier roles showed him just how important technology is in attracting and keeping tenants.  “My ability to deliver a strong customer experience was either being incredibly supported or massively undermined by the tech through the space,” he said. “If I’m saying someone can enter a space with their phone and then they can’t, then no matter how friendly the team are or what coffee we have, they think we’re crap.” He adds: “I’ve always felt there are three reasons that tech doesn’t work in property – poor deployment, a poor scope or poor integration. We’re set up to help. We will scope, we will deliver stuff we believe in and we will hang about to make sure it works. And we’re on the hook with you.” Image from Office Ready Tech