Benchmark Group, the quoted property investment and development company, has appointed Lend Lease director Peter Archer to the board as part of a drive to develop its portfolio.
Archer becomes a non-executive director. In addition, Jeffrey Collier has been appointed construction and project manager; Leigh Bowen Jones joins as head of asset management; and Andrew Norman becomes financial controller. Paul Pheysey is to become responsible for Benchmark’s residential division.
Joint managing director Nigel Kempner said the firm intended to significantly develop its holdings in the West End over the next few years. Last October, Benchmark paid Friends’ Provident £120.5m for a central London property portfolio.
Benchmark was considering “other options” for the office floors of Spirella House, Oxford Circus, London W1, which has Shelleys Shoes on the ground floor. He added that Benchmark would announce two West End acquisitions in the near future.
EGi News 20/01/97
