DWS, Deutsche Bank's recently-listed property arm, has appointed Jessica Hardman as head of the real estate investment group in the UK.

jessica hardman

Jessica Hardman

Reporting to Georg Allendorf, head of real estate, Europe, this newly created position is designed to strengthen DWS’s real estate business in the UK market. Having joined DWS in 2004, Hardman most recently led the UK real estate transactions team.

'The UK group is an important region for our platform alongside our already substantial German hub business,' Allendorf said.

DWS has additionally appointed Michael Hill as head of real estate transactions, UK and Ireland. With 14 years’ experience, Hill joins from European real estate investment manager Patrizia, where he was a director in the investment team.

'I am confident in Jessica’s ability to enhance our product offering for clients. I also welcome Michael to the platform as her successor to lead our transactional effort across the UK,' added Allendorf.

Hardman’s appointment brings portfolio and asset management together under one leadership to form the UK group.

As well as joining the European real estate management board, Hardman’s remit will incorporate the co-mingled funds business including the recently launched European open-ended core fund, in addition to separate account clients covering global, European and UK strategies.

Globally, DWS’ UK based real estate business currently manages €6.7bn of capital on behalf of institutional investors as of 30 September 2017.