Queensgate, a UK-based property firm backed by Hong Kong's Peterson Group and representatives of the Qatari royal family, has announced two new senior hires.
Gary Jones has been apppointed as chief operating officer (COO), joining from Aprirose, while Daniel Peart from Blackstone becomes the firm's general counsel.
Jason Kow, founder and CEO of Queensgate Investments said: 'Gary Jones and Daniel Peart both bring a wealth of experience and we are proud to welcome them to Queensgate Investments.
'They are two very important additions which will further strengthen our team and their appointments signal a very exciting time for the company.'
Jones brings 27 years of experience in commercial, financial, and international tax structuring expertise to the firm, and was most recently COO at Aprirose.
Peart was previously general counsel at Blackstone’s real estate credit division in Europe, and director at the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Jones said: 'I am delighted to take on the role of COO at Queensgate, and look forward to helping facilitate the firm’s global ambitions for the real estate and hospitality sectors. I am excited to work with Jason Kow and the team to build on the firm’s successful track record.'
Peart added: 'I’m thrilled to be working with the team at Queensgate, and joining the company at an exciting time as we progress into post-pandemic economic recovery.'
Queensgate advises and manages around £3 bn of UK property through its Queensgate Investments Funds.
Earlier this year, the firm reached a settlement with a former executive over claims which included racism and fraud.
Jonathan Millet, Queengate's former acquisitions head, filed the employment lawsuit when his contract was terminated in 2020.
According to Bloomberg, Millet said he had recordings from the office which including anti-Semetic and racist language.
Millet and the fund agreed to a settlement at the end of January, releasing a joint statement that said that 'Queensgate has self-reported to the Financial Conduct Authority and both parties are satisfied to put this matter behind them'.