Andrew Smith has joined Mill Group as it looks to partner institutions in the UK’s private-rented sector.

Smith, who has been appointed executive director, was formerly global head of property at Aberdeen Asset Management. Smith will be responsible for Mill Group’s residential investment.

The appointment comes as Mill Group launches its first PRS project, in a joint venture with Bovis Homes. The pair are buying 190 new-build homes in the south of the UK for £45m.

Smith said: “I believe there is a strong institutional appetite for the private rented sector and will be looking to further expand my team to achieve this.”

Smith currently chairs the Investment Property Forum and prior to Aberdeen was European director of property research at Henderson Global Investors.