Aviva Investors has added two senior members to its UK real estate team to help strengthen its position in the UK and beyond.

The asset management business of the insurer Aviva has appointed Daniel McHugh to lead UK real estate and Melanie Collett as head of real estate asset management.

McHugh will be responsible for all direct real estate activity in the UK and will lead the firm’s specialist fund management, asset management and transaction teams.

McHugh was most recently head of continental European’s real estate investment at Standard Life Investments. He joined Standard Life Investments in 2000.

Collett will report to McHugh. She will be responsible for the firm’s sector-focused asset management teams, development management and project management capabilities.

Prior to joining Aviva Investors, Collett was head of asset management at Round Hill Capital from November 2015 to March 2018, managing the European portfolio on behalf of US private equity partners. She spent 12 years at GE Capital Real Estate.

Ed Casal, the chief executive of Aviva Investors Real Estate,  said: Both McHugh and Collett have a wealth of experience in the UK and European markets. 

“This, combined with their clear leadership qualities, will be invaluable as we look to strengthen our position in the UK and globally.” 

McHugh and Collett will both be based in London.