Property financier Stephen Barter has joined KPMG as chairman of its real estate advisory practice.
Barter, who was previously the UK chief executive of Qatari Diar, will be based in London. He will focus on expanding KPMG’s international client base, growing the real estate advisory business and providing corporate finance and strategic advice to leading investors, fund managers, developers and occupiers.
Prior to the Qatari Investment Authority division, Barter held senior roles at Grosvenor and agent Richard Ellis, now CBRE.
KPMG is expanding its real estate practice of around 3,000 professionals in more than 70 countries.
Jonathan Thompson, international chair of real estate and construction at KPMG, said: “Stephen is a highly regarded figure in the real estate industry, and brings over 30 years’ experience across all aspects of real estate investment and financing, development, asset management and fund management.
“Our global real estate practice continues to grow in a market full of new and exciting opportunities. While our existing real estate advisory team is well recognised in the areas of taxation, restructuring and transactions management, Stephen’s appointment adds a new dimension, and will help us deliver innovative advice to our clients.”
Richard White, UK head of real estate at KPMG, said: “KPMG is well known within the real estate market, particularly for its tax and audit advice. Stephen’s arrival will help us build on these strengths and offer greater breadth of coverage and expertise, particularly to investors, major companies and government.”
“Real estate is a diverse and dynamic market, and I will aim to link capital to opportunity matched by independent strategic and financial advice in order to enhance KPMG’s well-respected advisory expertise,” said Barter. “I look forward to developing a strong international business, building on KPMG’s global reach and help our clients find solutions to their challenges.”
bridget.oconnell@estatesgazette.com
