Property Investment, development and management

Amanda Birrane

Chairman

Amanda Birrane

Chairman

Amanda Birrane studied French and Business Studies at the University of Surrey, followed by a Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. She also has a Masters Degree in Property Valuation and Law from the Cass Business School, City of London University. Amanda has worked at Peer Group PLC since 1987 and has been a Director since 1995, when she returned to the U.K. having worked in New York.  Amanda was appointed as Chairman in December 2018.  She is also a Director of a number of other Group companies, as well as serving as a Director of a number of Irish companies, including the Mondello Park group of companies.  Outside of Peer Group Amanda is a keen sculptor specialising in portraiture.

Howard J Dawson

Managing Director

Howard J Dawson

Managing Director

Howard joined the Board of Peer Group plc in May 1997.  He started his career in the Estates Department of The Prudential Assurance Company in 1976.  After qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor he specialised in investment matters and became particularly involved in the development and application of discounted cashflow appraisal techniques.  He left The Prudential in 1994, where he had been responsible for the Central London investment portfolios.  Between 1994 and 1997, Howard was a Partner at GVA Grimley where he established the Fund Management Department, offering strategic property investment services to clients.

As Managing Director of Peer Group plc, Howard is responsible for the day to day running of the Company but has a “hands on” approach to asset management, investment and finance.  He is also a Director of the Mondello Park group of companies in Ireland.

Outside of work, Howard is a keen motor racing enthusiast, competing at an amateur level in a Porsche Boxster and a historic Ford Capri.  He also enjoys track days and motor cycling.

Lis Birrane

Director

Lis Birrane

Director

Lis Birrane was appointed as a Director of Peer Group in April 2016 when she retired as Director of Communications for Public Health England (PHE), a post to which she was appointed in 2012 when the public body was established. A communications professional of more than 30 years’ experience, prior to joining PHE Lis was Director of Communications of the Health Protection Agency, from 2003-2012. Lis was Chief Press Officer at the Department of Health (2001-2003) where she was responsible for the operational management of one of the busiest press offices in Whitehall.

Before that, Lis was Chief Press Secretary to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, with sole responsibility for the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy for this unique, high profile examination of one of the seminal events in modern Irish history.

Lis made the transition from journalism to Government Communications in the early 1990s when she joined the Department of Health’s press office and continued to specialise mainly in health, particularly in public health and health protection issues. (Qualifications: Honours degree in English; National Council for the Training of Journalists Proficiency Certificate; Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Communication; miscellaneous vocational certificates).

Jonathan Dean

Property Director

Jonathan Dean

Property Director

In May 2018, Jonathan Dean joined Peer Group Property team as Group Asset Manager. In January 2019 he was appointed to the Board as Property Director.

He brings with him a wealth of commercial property expertise having most recently played a key role at Somerset House as their Director of Property.

Jonathan undertook his surveying training at Cushman & Wakefield (formerly Healey & Baker) and worked in a number of well-known West End Firms before setting up his own practice which he subsequently sold and ended his consultancy career as Director and Joint Head of Retail for BNP Paribas Real Estate before being invited to join Durkan Estates as Investment Director.

Before joining Peer Group his recent achievements include restructuring the Estates and Commercial Teams at Somerset House whilst project managing the relocation of the Trust’s offices and some 70 staff releasing circa £2 million in savings for the Trust to invest in exhibitions and events.

Outside of Peer Group, Jonathan pursues interests in swimming, running, cycling and theatre.

Michael Breeze

Legal Director

Michael Breeze

Legal Director

Michael qualified as a solicitor in 1977 and spent 36 years in general private practice before joining Peer Group plc in early 2013, becoming a director and company secretary soon afterwards. As Legal Director, Michael manages the in-house and external legal teams, advises the Board on legal matters and deals with compliance issues. Outside of work, Michael is a keen tennis player.

Jon Neal

Jon Neal

Finance Director

Jon Neal

Finance Director

Jon joined Deloitte in 2002 as an associate in the real estate, tourism, hospitality and leisure audit practice. He gained experience of a variety of companies and industries from property investment to wind farm development and hotels. After qualifying as a chartered accountant, in 2016 Jon joined Grosvenor Estate, a large privately-owned property company. Jon held a variety of roles in the finance team gaining experience of management and financial accounting, business partnering and treasury. Jon became Head of Finance in 2012, managing the back-office finance teams and responsible for accounting, financial reporting and financial control.

Jon joined the Board of Peer Group plc in March 2019 as Finance director, responsible for the financial operations of the Company.

On a more personal note, Jon is a keen cyclist and enjoys riding the country roads of Kent and East Sussex at the weekends, as well as spending time with his young family.

Joanna

Joanna Georgiou

Office Manager & Executive Assistant

Joanna Georgiou

Office Manager & Executive Assistant

Working within the Property Team Joanna is responsible for the smooth running of the office. Having undertaken new responsibilities such as Health & Safety, managing the Business Rates department and dealing with events at The Hop Exchange, Joanna thrives off being busy and super organised. Has formed a running group where they try to run around the local area at least twice a week, alongside various gym classes.

Daniel Taylor

Daniel Taylor

Senior Property Manager - London

Daniel Taylor

Senior Property Manager - London

Coming from a property and asset management background of over 20 years, including managing Prudential/ M&G pension fund and GE & National Grid Pension funds at CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield. Daniel joined our team as a Senior Property Manager in May 2022.  Daniel is responsible for the smooth running and operations of the London Portfolio, working closely with tenants and contractors to provide solutions for any queries. Having always managed property portfolios for external clients, he was keen to move to a client-side role and has been brought in to ensure the smooth operations of the Peer Group London assets.  In his spare time Daniel enjoys the outdoors being it cycling, driving, or riding his motorbike.

Elliott Brighton

Elliott Brighton

Senior Asset Manager

Elliott Brighton

Senior Asset Manager

Having had a passion for property from a young age, Elliott studied Real Estate locally at Birmingham City University, before embarking on the venture up north to work for Legacy DTZ (Cushman & Wakefield) in Leeds. After a year, Elliott transitioned to the South London market working for Hindwoods Chartered Surveyors, dealing with both Commercial Leasehold and Mixed-Use Freehold disposals. Elliott joined Peer Group in February 2018 as Regional Asset Manager, responsible for dealing with Freehold/Leasehold disposals, Rent Reviews, Lease Renewals and Developments across the wide ranging variety of Regional stock. In June 2023, Elliott became Senior Asset Manager taking over responsibility for the London portfolio whilst continuing to oversee the Regional portfolio developments. Elliott is a lifelong Aston Villa fan with a passion for football and travel, in addition to interests in golf and Formula 1.

Eva

Eva Xydias

Asset Manager

Eva Xydias

Asset Manager

Eva studied Real Estate at the University of Reading, before starting her property career at Avison Young as a graduate surveyor. During this time, she worked in Central London Investment, Hotel Valuation and Asset management roles before completing her MRICS qualification. Eva joined Peer Group in June 2023 as Regional Asset Manager and is responsible for dealing with disposals, rent reviews, lease renewals and developments across the varied portfolio. In her spare time Eva enjoys cooking and eating her way around London’s best foodie spots, traveling, and fitness training.

Natalie Wong

Natalie Wong

Senior Property Manager - Regional

Natalie Wong

Senior Property Manager - Regional

Natalie has over a decade of experience in the Property industry across Asian and European regions. The first 5 years of her career were spent in Hong Kong, where she achieved her MRICS qualification, before returning back to her home country to focus on the London markets. In this time, she has worked in property and portfolio management across a range of sectors including; financial institutions, offices, industrial estates, retail high streets and shopping centres. Outside of work, Natalie enjoys travelling and exploring new cultures, especially trying out different cuisines, music, and fitness training.

Oliver White

Oliver White

Regional Property Administrator

Oliver White

Regional Property Administrator

Oliver is currently completing his year in industry placement with Peer Group as the regional property administrator. He is studying Accounting and Finance at The University of Southampton and is hoping to gain invaluable experience that will benefit him in the future. He is excited to be part of a great and established team to learn as much as he can whilst he is here.

In Oliver’s spare time he is an avid supporter of his favourite football team Chelsea and a keen golfer.

Damilola

Damilola Orekoya

London Property Administrator

Damilola Orekoya

London Property Administrator

Dami, an Undergraduate from The University of Exeter studying a Business and Law Degree, is currently on a professional placement with Peer Group as the London Property Administrator. Having a strong ambition for the property industry, he is eager to learn from this great team and gain as much experience as possible.

In his spare time, Dami is a gym fanatic, enjoys reading, occasionally plays football and spending time with family & friends.

Chris Robinson

Head of Building Services

Chris Robinson

Head of Building Services

Chris has over 20 years of experience working as a building surveyor and project manager with a particular interest in historic buildings having worked on a range of buildings including many celebrated Victorian Pump Houses, as well as a recent spell working at the Royal Household at Windsor Castle, where he worked on the Queen’s East Terrace, and Royal Mews and other notable historic buildings. He has qualifications that include MSc Building Surveying. Outside of work he is a keen distance runner and mountain walker and extensive DIYer.

Lewis Denbow

Lewis Denbow

Building Surveyor

Lewis Denbow

Building Surveyor

Lewis is a Chartered Building Surveyor with over seven years of experience in the construction and property industries. Lewis started his career working on site for an electrical contractor and progressed on to completing a building surveying degree apprenticeship within a property consultancy, where he graduated with a First-Class Honours Degree and completed his RICS APC qualification. He has experience of working across a range of sectors, with areas of interest including project management, defect diagnosis, and dilapidations.

Outside of work, Lewis enjoys going to the gym, running, reading, and spending time with his family and friends.

Richard Teixeira

Richard Teixeira

Compliance & Sustainability Manager

Richard Teixeira

Compliance & Sustainability Manager

Having had a passion for engineering, mathematics and property from a young age, Richard studied Chemistry, Geography and Biology at A-Level, before embarking on the start of his career in finance with Barclays Bank Plc in London. After a few years, Richard transitioned into Facilities Management, dealing with 120 restaurants across multiple brands for 8 years. Richard then became a contracts manager for Spie where he had multiple clients across a diverse portfolio and sectors including Costa Coffee, Whitbread, TRG and Ladbrokes/Coral. Richard joined Peer Group in December 2021 as Compliance and Sustainability Manager and is responsible for dealing with Compliance, Statutory obligations, Sustainability and Property Management across the wide-ranging variety of the Peer Group portfolio. Richard is an Arsenal and Ferrari fan with a passion for motorsports, football and engineering. On weekends you are likely to find Richard watching the F1 or out with his young family.

Jack Lewis

Jack Lewis

Financial Controller

Jack Lewis

Financial Controller

Jack joined Peer Group in January 2023 as Financial Controller and is responsible for preparing all financial reporting and forecasting, along with liaising with the auditors and supporting the Finance Director on a variety of projects.

Having qualified as a chartered accountant at KPMG in 2019, Jack joined Peer Group from Berkeley Homes, a property developer, where he worked closely with the construction and sales teams on multiple London developments.

Outside of work, Jack is a keen Arsenal and cricket fan, and enjoys spending time with his young family.

Tasnim

Tasnim Chowdhury

Financial Accountant

Tasnim Chowdhury

Financial Accountant

Tasnim accomplished a First Class Honours Degree in Accounting and Management in 2019. Thereafter, she began her career in a small property firm in the West End working as a Finance Assistant. During this time, she gained an interest in the property sector, developed a range of skills, and mastered new accounting software. She is now a member of the Finance team at Peer Group as a Financial Accountant and whilst working here she will be completing her ACCA studies to become a Qualified Accountant as well as acquiring new knowledge, skills, and experience for her professional development. During her spare time, Tasnim enjoys going out to eat with friends and family. She also makes personalised balloons for all occasions as a hobby.

Shenel

Shenel Rush

Finance & Banking Administrator

Shenel Rush

Finance & Banking Administrator

Having moved to the UK from the Caribbean to further her studies in accounting. Shenel has always worked in purchase ledger then worked her way up to become an assistant accountant with the last company Horiba UK, where she had work for the last 5 years. Shenel has developed a range of skills, and mastered new accounting software and is now a member of the Finance team at Peer Group as the Finance and Banking Administrator.

In her spare time she loves baking, spending time with family and friends, but most of it is spent with her Yorkshire Terrier Tyson, whom she adores.

Kathryn Gibbs

Kathryn Gibbs

PA

Kathryn Gibbs

PA

Kathryn has been with Peer Group since 2001 working as PA to Mr Birrane until June 2018. She now works as Private PA to the Birrane family as well as Jon Neal, Finance Director. Kathryn enjoys interior design and is a keen gardener.

Denise Bone

Sales Ledger Manager & Credit Controller

Denise Bone

Sales Ledger Manager & Credit Controller

Denise started her finance career at UBS Investment Bank. In the 18 years she worked there she held various roles including Financial Control Manager and worked on a year- long project introducing a new accounting system into the bank.

She joined the Finance Team at Peer Group in 2008 and is responsible for the sales ledger and credit control.

Denise is an avid reader and enjoys attending music concerts with her family.

Marian

Marian Rolt

Property Account Manager

Marian Rolt

Property Account Manager

Marian started out in Hotel Management and progessed into Property Management, working for managing agents Collier & Madge and Connells before joining Peer Group. The role of Property Accounts Manager is a busy and varied one, which includes looking after the company’s substantial insurance portfolio and service charges.

When not in the office, Marian is a keen gardener and walker, but also enjoys quilting and restoring/upcycling furniture and other household items.

Rick O’Brien

Rick O’Brien

Solicitor

Rick O’Brien

Solicitor

Rick was awarded a scholarship for merit to study the Bar Professional Training Course and was called to the bar in 2014.

In February 2015, having undertaken temporary contract work for Peer Group PLC, he joined Peer full time. He was employed initially as a Legal Assistant, then as a Chartered Legal Executive but (whilst working) completed the necessary studies and, in February 2019, became a Solicitor.

He primarily he undertakes transactional and litigious commercial property work but, as an inhouse practitioner, a vast array of work will cross his desk including corporate, contract and planning matters.

His qualifications include: a first class honours degree in Law (LLB); a VC in his Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC); and a distinction in his Legal Practice Course (LPC).

Jack Kittel

Jack Kittel

Legal Assistant

Jack Kittel

Legal Assistant

Jack graduated university with an LLB in 2021 and passed the LPC in 2022. Having undertaken work experience in a chartered surveyor firm and a housing association, he was keen to carry on learning in the property sector and joined Peer Group after finishing his LPC. Jack is excited to qualify as a solicitor in the near future.

In his spare time, Jack enjoys cooking and eating foods from a variety of cuisines, lifting weights, and reading. He will also occasionally and reluctantly go for a run.

Office

Retail

Residential

Industrial