Natalie Howard, a former head of AgFe Group’s real estate business, has joined DRC Capital.

DRC said Howard, who has joined the commercial real estate debt investment adviser as partner, will be responsible for expanding the firm’s debt strategies.

Founded in 2012, DRC currently has assets under management of £2.0bn (€2.3bn) across a range of senior debt, high-yield and whole loan products.

Last month Savills Investment Management broadened its real estate investment offerings with the acquisition of an initial 25% stake in DRC.

The €16.2bn investment manager bought the initial stake in DRC with an option to buy the remaining 75% in 2021.

Dale Lattanzio, a managing partner at DRC Capital, said: “Together with Savills IM, our vision is to serve investors who are increasingly seeking a single point of access to the capital structure.

“Natalie has a wealth of industry experience that will be invaluable in developing a debt proposition that is highly attractive to investors.“

Howard said: “I am extremely pleased to be joining DRC at such a pivotal time in its business growth.

“DRC and Savills IM are highly respected brands and it is exciting to have the opportunity to play a strategic role in developing a compelling debt platform.“

Howard joined AgFe in 2010. She was responsible for setting up its commercial real estate senior debt asset management business.

She began her career in 1989 at French investment bank Paribas and later worked at several companies, including Morgan Stanley, Barclays Capital and Lehman Brothers.