Avamore announces second Galactico senior hire as part of ambitious growth plans

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D’mitri Zaprzala Avamore Capital

Avamore Capital has hired well-known industry heavyweight, D’mitri Zaprzala to further beef up its senior leadership team and make it a multi-million-pound top-tier lender.

D’mitri, the former Head of Residential at Octopus Real Estate, will join the board of Directors at Avamore and sit alongside co-founders Michael Dean and Zuhair Mirza, Alan Margolis and head of underwriting and principal Philip Gould.

The hire follows last month’s appointment of Alan Margolis to the senior leadership team as part of the group’s long-term growth strategy.

Dean said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome D’mitri to Avamore’s Board of Directors. It really is a significant moment for us.

In footballing terms, it’s a bit like having signed Lionel Messi last month, and this month we’ve added Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Avamore believes that D’mitri’s background in deal origination and his 8 years at one of the largest lenders in the sector will help it accelerate its coverage and become a top tier lender.

It hopes that collectively D’mitri and Alan Margolis, with the support of Gould will help drive growth in the business and achieve lending of over £500million annually.

This will primarily be through delivering enhancements to brokers, clients and service providers and shaping a ‘best in class’ customer journey.

D’mitri will co-lead the Avamore Management Team and be a member of the Credit Committee. He will focus on business growth initiatives and provide guidance on commercial issues.

This, Avamore said, will include pushing out in more traditional areas of lending, possibly expanding its geographical presence, and building on product innovation.

Dean added: “Zuhair and I have known D’mitri for a number of years and have seen the impact he has made in our space.

The strength of his experience, depth of relationships and knowledge will be hugely valuable in Avamore’s next phase of growth.

Given D’mitri’s background and longstanding presence in the bridging and development industry, both he and Alan, will allow Avamore to benefit from the input of industry veterans.

It is truly a game changing move to bring them both on board and we look forward to seeing the positive impact which D’mitri will make on the team and the business.”

Margolis, Director, added:

“This is an incredibly exciting stage in Avamore’s growth journey. The lender has grown from strength to strength over the past 6 years and it is the perfect time to scale up quickly and sustainably.

In my first month, I have seen the strength of the team that has led the business to where it is today and there is a huge opportunity to combine the experience of D’mitri and I, with the talent in the team to ensure Avamore is a market leading lender.”

Mirza said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to have D’mitri join the leadership team. D’mitri brings tremendous industry knowledge, experience and relationships to the team while sharing the company’s values and ambitious plans for the future.

I very much looking forward to working with D’mitri alongside Alan and Phil as they lead the business through the next phase of Avamore’s journey.”

D’mitri said he was delighted to be joining the firm:

“Having observed the company over the last few years I am so excited to be able to join them at such an exciting time for both them, and the specialist lending industry.

The last 6 years have been extremely successful for Avamore, and I hope that I am able to help make the next 6 years even more so.

I have known Michael and Zuhair for some time and it was an easy decision to come and join them.

They have built an exceptional team who have an amazing reputation in the industry, and I cannot wait to work closely with them.

Similarly, I have had the pleasure of knowing Alan for many years and he is someone I have always admired.

I know that together with the talented Avamore team we can achieve great things.”