Hilltop Credit Partners appoints senior construction and development advisor

By Bridging Loan Directory 4th May 2023

Hilltop Credit Partners Limited (“Hilltop”), a leading real estate credit investment manager, has appointed George Craven to the newly created role of Senior Construction and Development Advisor.

With over 35 years of global residential real estate experience, George will further strengthen Hilltop’s senior team, following the appointment of former Nomura executive Claudiu Gheorghita as Chief Investment Officer.

Based in London, George will work closely with CEO Paul Oberschneider, supporting Hilltop Credit Partners’ investment and lending initiatives.

His principal focus will be supporting partners across the development lifecycle – from design, value optimisation, costing and cash flow through to construction refinement, contract negotiations, management, and planning – ensuring the delivery of schemes on time and within budget.

He will also ensure the business is investing with purpose and having a positive impact on the built environment, working with sponsors to ensure developments, where possible, meet sustainable guidelines and utilise modern methods of construction.

Most recently, George was Head of Development for a pan-European Private Equity firm, where he oversaw the delivery of a UK and European real estate portfolio with a GDV of c. $5 billion, including 12,500 PBSA units, 4,400 BTR units and 2,700 build-to-sell units.

Previous roles included running his own development platform and the development consultancy team at Arcadis, and roles at leading construction businesses Balfour Beatty and John Mowlem.

His experience spans numerous geographies, including the UK, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, France, Sweden, and USA.

Paul Oberschneider, CEO and Founder of Hilltop Credit Partners, commented:

“Given the current complexities in the development lending space, George’s 35 years of development and cost analysis experience across multiple market cycles will be invaluable.

As a Living sector specialist with a global background, George will bring a unique perspective to our underwriting function, whilst his entrepreneurial ethos aligns with that of both Hilltop Credit Partners and our many clients.

The opportunity in the alternative lending space remains compelling, and we continue to strengthen the senior team to support our significant growth ambitions.”

George Craven, Senior Construction and Development Advisor at Hilltop Credit Partners, added:

“Hilltop Credit Partners has consistently partnered with dynamic and ambitious borrowers to deliver high quality and much needed real estate, which I’m excited to be driving forward.

As the uncertain macroeconomic backdrop persists, those lenders that have the knowledge to work closely with partners to successfully deliver schemes will be increasingly well placed to increase market share.”

Hilltop Credit Partners recently announced the appointment of Claudiu Gheorghita as Chief Investment Officer. Claudiu, who joined from Nomura, will be responsible for continuing to build Hilltop’s loan book across the UK, whilst overseeing its expansion into the European market.