Royal London onboards former Heylo and Grainger director

Royal London Asset Management Property is pressing ahead with its ongoing expansion into the private residential market, with the appointment of Paul Ruston as a fund manager for the living sector. The move follows the acquisition of 585 flats in Barking, Bracknell and Slough in 2024, marking RLAM’s first investment into the UK BTR sector. In his new role, Ruston will focus on the continued delivery of housing in RLAM’s targeted locations. He will also work closely with the in-house residential management operator, ProperTies Living. Ruston has experience in the strategic investment and asset management of residential portfolios for corporate and institutional investors. He joins from shared ownership provider Heylo, where he worked as portfolio director following a decade leading Grainger’s PRS team. Prior to that, Ruston spent a decade at Allsop Residential Investment Management having started his career at Lloyds Banking Group. In addition, Ruston is a fellow and former director of the Institute of Residential Property Management, a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and an associate of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Mark Evans, head of property at Royal London Asset Management, said: “Paul’s experience and proven track record in managing funds in the private rented sector will be invaluable as we continue to increase our exposure to this market, and deliver long-term value to our investors.”