The Ardent Companies UK (“Ardent UK”), the acquisitive subsidiary of US-based real estate investment and asset management firm The Ardent Companies, has strengthened its team and positioned itself for further growth with the appointment of development and investment directors into two new roles.

Joe Swindells arrives as development director, having previously held senior roles at Battersea Power Station, Capital & Regional and Ballymore. Drawing on extensive experience in the residential, retail and industrial sectors, Joe will manage Ardent UK’s development activity in line with the asset management strategies for existing holdings, as well as new regeneration and development-led opportunities.

In parallel, Gary McNamara joins as investment director, following a period of working for Ardent UK on a consultancy basis, during which time he has advised on the expansion of the firm’s industrial platform and potential regeneration and redevelopment projects. In the new role, Gary will oversee Ardent UK’s investment activity as it continues to expand its nationwide portfolio.

The new arrivals give Ardent UK an even stronger base for growth and expansion into new projects, sectors and business areas, alongside the existing senior team of managing directors Richard Benson and Andrew Hilston, and finance director Suzie Cooper.

Since its launch in early 2021, Ardent UK has been highly acquisitive and opportunistic, establishing an industrial and logistics platform of over 2.25 million sq ft and undertaking the market-calling acquisition of Touchwood shopping centre in Solihull. The firm remains highly acquisitive, looking to expand its portfolio and take on new regeneration and development opportunities.

Matt Shulman, CEO of The Ardent Companies, said: “The acquisitions we have made in the UK underline our ambitions in this market, and as such it is hugely pleasing that Joe and Gary have chosen to join Ardent. They are both excellent additions to the team, bringing broad skillsets and a depth of experience that will further strengthen our already formidable UK capabilities, enabling us to expand into new sectors, geographies and business lines.”

In line with its expansion, and reflecting the firm’s new requirements, Ardent UK has moved to a new London headquarters at 18A St James’s Place, London, SW1A 1NJ