Head of European Hotel Acquisitions

Our client, one of the largest privately-owned hotel investors and managers in the U.S. is working with us exclusively to hire a Head of European Acquisitions in London.

Last year the firm made approx. $3BN in new acquisitions in the U.S., deployed and managed by a significant local team. Until now, Europe has represented a much smaller market for them, with approx. $1BN in acquisitions over the last 10 years in various European cities. They have recently sold the majority of their European portfolio at a considerable profit.

They typically make acquisitions on a JV basis with Real Estate private equity funds and take responsibility for the ongoing management of the hotels within their portfolio.

Whilst the current team in London is still relatively small, our client is now looking to scale up the European business which will include hiring a senior individual to play a key role in growing the European business and leading their acquisition efforts.

Responsibilities will include:

• Building a successful and strong track record of Hotel investing and business plan execution for Europe
• Leading the deployment of capital into European Hotel real estate, sourcing transactions and leading their execution; overseeing all investment activity
• Working closely with senior management in US, as well as other relevant stakeholders
• Closely manage relationships with joint-venture partners
• Build a team to support the growth of the business
• Ensuring the European investing platform is fully integrated into the broader business

Skills and experience required:

• 10 to 20 years' Hotel real estate experience (ideally across multiple markets), implementing investment strategies across the risk curve
• Significant proven principal investment experience within the European Hotels sector
• Ability to transact across multiple European countries - proven ability in every jurisdiction is not necessary, but the successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to adapt to different markets
• Demonstrate strong relationships with potential JV partners and sources of deals (both direct and through agents)
• Successful track record across all aspects of the investment cycle, from acquisitions through to appropriate asset management and timely disposal.
• Ability to source and get the best value from new debt providers and refinancings
• Visible leader, who can build a business and "brand" the platform in Europe
• Strong people management skills; and conceptual and critical thinking skills
• Business manager, leader and builder, with outstanding communication skills, analytical rigor and fiduciary integrity.
• A self-reliant, creative and intellectually agile individual

The firm has a relaxed, creative environment where strong performers are given the opportunity to shine.

They offer a market leading compensation package that includes carried interest.