CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE – 1993 TO DATE

Chief Executive of KAPITAL CORPORATION.  Founder and Chief Executive of various companies specialising in property, aviation and private equity.  Operating in United Kingdom, mainland Europe and Brazil.

Kapital Assets Limited undertakes a number of strategic land development opportunities; Kapital Aviation Limited is a Civil Aviation Authority approved Air Operator Certificate holder working in the corporate helicopter sector; and Kapital Venture Equity LLP is a Scottish Enterprise Co-Investment Fund partner.  Kapital International Investment Limited manages overseas property interests and was accoladed with Association of International Property Professionals Developer of the Year Award 2010.
(CURRENT)
 

Chairman of FIFE SPORTS AND LEISURE TRUST, a not for profit company limited by guarantee, operating leisure centres throughout Fife on behalf of Fife Council.  Established in 2008, oversaw the initial set up and the transfer of assets to the Trust.  Employs approximately 450 people and turning over £9m pa.  Strong balance sheet established within 2 years.  Chair of Audit and Remuneration Committee.  

Group Chief Executive of MANOR KINGDOM GROUP.  Founder and Chief Executive of luxury bespoke housebuilder specialising in the construction of up to one hundred homes per year.  While Chief Executive of Manor Kingdom Limited, the company was accoladed with twenty nine national awards in nine years including Bronze Award Winner in the British Housebuilder of the Year 1998; What House? 1999 Gold Award winner; Silver Award in the British Housebuilder Awards 2000; Gold Award in the British Housebuilder Awards 2001; What House? 2001 Bronze Award Winner; What House? Best Medium Sized House Builder 2002; What House? Best Luxury House 2002; Silver Award in the British Housebuilder Award 2002; Building Awards 2002.  In addition site managers were accredited with National House Building Council (NHBC) Pride in the Job Quality Awards in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 together with National House Building Council (NHBC) Seal of Excellence Awards in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

An autonomous manufacturing company operated within the Group, producing timber components such as staircases, door sets, kitchen and bathroom cabinets etc.  This included supplying approximately thirty percent of its turnover to the open market and the company was widely acclaimed for the quality of its product.

The Company was also ISO 9001 accredited; a member of the National House Building Council (NHBC) and a Charter member of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

With annual turnover exceeding £40 million and a labour force of in excess of one hundred staff, the business was sold in October 2004 to a national housebuilder.   (1993 – OCTOBER 2004)

OTHER INTERESTS

• Trustee of the Carnegie Dunfermline & Hero Fund Trust two of the philanthropic foundations established by one of the world’s leading philanthropists, Andrew Carnegie.  Special responsibilities include sitting on the Property Management Board.
• Trustee of The Kapital Foundation (www.kapitalfoundation.co.uk) which supports numerous good causes whose goals are aimed largely at helping young people achieve more in their lives.

PREVIOUS CAREER

Quantity Surveyor at John G Hardie & Sons, Chartered Surveyors, a multi disciplinary practice, on a variety of construction projects ranging in value from £20,000 to £1m, subsequently becoming Senior Surveyor on projects up to £40m, and also working within team of three surveyors on projects of £440m.   (1985 – 1993)

FORMAL SKILLS TRAINING/EXPERIENCE INCLUDES

• Company acquisitions / preparing companies for exit / due diligence
• Land acquisitions / negotiations
• Brand building / marketing (including internet and social media)
• Scottish Enterprise Co-Investment Fund partner
• International experience in Brazil and Eastern Europe

EDUCATION

1985 – 1988 : Continuing Professional Development attaining Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors qualification in 1988.

1981 – 1985 Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh.BSC Building Economics and Quantity Surveying Honours Degree Class 2.1

PROFESSIONAL BODIES

• Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors since 1988.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

• Qualified helicopter pilot, sailing and sport.
• Member of Entrepreneurial Exchange Venture Philanthropy Steering Group.
• Member of Scottish Community Foundation Development Committee.

SUMMARY

A proven team leader who thrives on new challenges and is enthused by building and motivating teams.  Interested in Modern Methods of Construction and sustainable building solutions, together with initiatives in affordable housing and renewable energy technologies.

Experienced in design and master-planning of new communities (including having delivered award winning projects which are now studied as “Best of Class” examples).

Strong negotiator with a track record of maximising profit and of mentoring senior management in a number of business sectors.