Carter Jonas has appointed Lee Richards to lead its Residential Portfolio Letting and Management (PLM) Team. 

Richards joins from FirstPort Group, where he was Director of Market Services covering a range of areas including Build to Rent (BTR), retirement estate agency, national lettings, and legal services. With more than 20 years of experience, he has also held operation and management roles at Orchard & Shipman, Demipower Group, operating Yum! franchise outlets including the Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell brands, and Punch Taverns.

A leading industry figure, Richards is recognised for his commitment, drive and determination to push the sector forward. In August, for the second consecutive year, he was announced as a winner of a Property Management 50 Award in the BTR category, having supported some of the UK's largest professional landlords overseeing strategies to keep them at the forefront of the industry. He has also designed and implemented operating models for clients entering the BTR market.

At Carter Jonas, Richards will be based predominantly out of its London headquarters, One Chapel Place. He is responsible for the firm’s PLM Team specialising in the management of large portfolios typically owned by estates, trusts, investment funds, charities, pension funds and developers. He will also work closely with the firm's national network of professionals in its Residential, Commercial, Planning and Development and Rural Teams to develop its range of Institutional and Private Rented Sector capabilities. 

Lisa Simon, Head of Residential, Carter Jonas said: “Lee has an established track record and excellent reputation in the industry. Renowned for his strong leadership skills, management, client relationships and customer-focused approach, he will be a great asset to our team. Having worked with some of the leading companies and brands in the sector, including pioneers of the BTR model, he is exceptionally placed to drive our business forward, forging stronger links across our teams and championing operational excellence for our clients.”  

Lee Richards, Head of Portfolio Letting and Management, Carter Jonas said: “There are currently unprecedented pressures on the Private Rented Sector, driven by increasing and ever-changing complex legislation, rising numbers of individual landlords exiting the market, and the continuous and growing demand for high-quality rental homes. Whilst much of this need is being met by institutional investors - professional, industry-leading lettings and portfolio management services are a critical component, helping to achieve a sustainable and financially viable solution and optimising the resident’s experience. With this aim, I am excited to be joining the Carter Jonas team to drive forward their capabilities in this area, delivering expert portfolio management services for the benefit of our clients and their tenants.”