Placefirst hires assets and strategy director

Anna Hwang has joined the Salford-based build-to-rent firm, bringing 20 years of experience in the property sector to the role.

Hwang joins Placefirst from Savills, where she held the position of director of operational capital markets for two years.

Previous roles also include partner at investment and asset management firm Addington Capital, as well as associate director of real estate company CIT before that in 2007.

Hwang will be Placefirst’s first assets and strategy director. In her new role, she will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s real estate strategy.

The company’s real estate strategy aims to see Placefirst’s portfolio reach 6,500 homes in the next few years, with a current total of more than 1,500 homes.

Pipeline projects include a 167-home scheme opposite the former Beales department store in Bolton, where work started in February. Placefirst is also currently on site in Morecambe to deliver 42 homes on Bold Street.

Hwang said: “I am delighted to be joining Placefirst at such an exciting time for the business.

“Our position as an industry leader in the market is shown through a number of high-profile schemes currently being built or in planning, and it is important we continue to be influential in the industry and create communities where people are proud to live and rent for the long term, in an exciting and growing residential sector.”

David Mawson, chief executive of Placefirst, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Anna to Placefirst, bringing with her over 20 years of experience and knowledge of the industry.

“With Anna’s skills in strategy and asset management, this new role encompasses the ambition that Placefirst has and will help us to progress at a national scale.

“Our plan is to continue on our path in delivering best-in-class BTR communities and contributing to answering the huge demand for quality private rented accommodation across the UK.”