Regional property investment and development business Howard Group has hired Andy Creighton as group property director.
Creighton, who is also appointed to the board of directors and joins the executive team, will be responsible for overseeing the group's property activities, including its investment, development and asset management functions.
Howard Group described its recruit as having "extensive experience in property acquisitions and disposals, joint venture structuring, corporate transactions and multisector property investment and management".
Most recently Creighton was head of investment management for Cromwell Property Group, a quoted Australian real estate investment group with operations across Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
He was also director of property at Henderson Global Investors, before joining Aberdeen where he was head of UK real estate and subsequently head of investment management for Europe.
Howard Group chief executive Nicholas Bewes said in a statement: "I am extremely pleased to welcome Andy to the Howard Group team, his appointment as group property director marks an important step for us. As a member of the executive team, he will lead our property activities and be accountable to the board for delivering our property strategy.
"In addition, as we progress towards delivering our Centenary Vision, Andy will play a key role in shaping our plans and maximising the potential of our investment portfolio to drive future growth. His extensive senior level experience in the commercial property sector will be invaluable as we enter the next chapter of our family business story."
The Cambridge-based Howard Howard Group has a property investment portfolio worth more than £250 million, comprising 24 properties, or 1 million square feet of occupied accommodation.
Andy Creighton, who is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, added: "I feel privileged to join Howard Group at this important time and look forward to playing a key role in its ongoing development. Howard Group’s portfolio is made up of some great assets with considerable value-creation opportunities across all the major real estate sectors.
"I very much look forward to helping Nicholas and the rest of the team crystalise this value and adding to the diversified portfolio as opportunities present themselves as the Group continues to deliver shareholder value."