Cromwell appoints UK boss

Cromwell Property Group has named Matthew Bird as its new head of UK. Bird has joined the Brisbane-based firm from Octane Capital, where he worked as director and head of commercial for two years. Before he joined Octane, he held roles at Legal & General Real Assets, Frogmore and Colliers International. He is also a board member of the Investment Property Forum and chair of the IPF Next Generation Group. In his new role, Bird will lead Cromwell’s UK activities as part of the group’s strategy to scale up across its European platform. Mark McLaughlin, managing director for Europe, said: “[Bird] has extensive experience and a strong track record of unlocking off-market situations and generating value through his network of contacts across agency, investors and debt providers in all sectors including central London, alternatives and multi-sector portfolios.” “His proven real estate experience includes managing teams and operating-partner relationships, devising strategy, as well as engaging with joint venture partners and investors across the world.” Cromwell manages more than €7.3bn (£6.4bn) of assets globally, of which €3.7bn are located in Europe. It has 20 offices in 12 countries across the continent. To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette