What the ‘Property 40 Under 40’ tells us about a changing industry
Candice Krieger reflects on the latest Jewish News' young business list, which is dedicated to the late industry titan Nigel Henry
Compiling any “40 Under 40” list is an exercise in both celebration and restraint. Celebration, because it offers an opportunity to shine a light on exceptional emerging talent within an industry. Restraint, because for every name that makes the final cut, there are many more who easily could have.
This inaugural Jewish News Property 40 Under 40, supported by DDRE Global, Patron Capital and Fusion Group – the company founded by the late Nigel Henry – is dedicated to Nigel’s memory.
Nigel, who passed away in February, was a widely respected figure in the industry, known for his generosity, mentorship and commitment to supporting the next generation of property professionals. It is fitting that a list celebrating rising talent should carry his name and legacy.
The volume and quality of nominations reflected a sector that is not only thriving but evolving. Candidates came from across development, agency, investment, planning, design, asset management and regeneration – entrepreneurial and increasingly technologically-minded leaders operating across a wide range of disciplines.
Judging the list was no easy task. Fortunately, the panel assembled for the job was exceptional. This year’s judging panel was not only the most senior we have assembled for any ‘under 40’ list across any sector, but arguably the most high-profile property panel put together for any awards initiative (listed below). Collectively, they represent decades of experience, billions in assets and leadership across some of the most influential corners of the industry.
The judges’ discussions were lively and thoughtful, reflecting the seriousness with which the panel approached the task.
On some candidates, however, there was little debate. Jacob Loftus, the founder and CEO of General Projects, quickly emerged as a unanimous standout, topping the list. Jacob was widely cited for his leadership, commercial maturity and pace of progression.
One issue did emerge during judging: the relatively small number of female nominations. In fact, no women ultimately featured in the top ten of this year’s list – something that did not go unnoticed during the panel’s discussions.
The outstanding women who did feature on the list stood out strongly. Barrister Miriam Seitler, who specialises in property litigation, impressed the judges for both her technical expertise and the breadth of responsibility she has already assumed at a relatively early stage. Robyn Lee, managing director at HSPG, the social impact-led property and development group, was also recognised for her role.
Where were their fellow female peers? In part, the outcome may simply reflect the current structure of the market where senior deal-making roles in property remain disproportionately male. Equally, it may reflect the nominations themselves: some exceptional women may simply not have come onto our radar this year.
What is clear is that the industry is rich with outstanding female talent, and future editions of this list should strive to surface and celebrate more of it.
As judge Lisa Ronson said: “I hope we do it again next year, where we would hope to see even more women on the list, as we know there are many fantastic candidates who weren’t represented this time.
“The Jewish contribution to property is thriving and it has been great to recognise this and celebrate the achievement and ambition of a new generation of Jewish talent coming through, helping to shape and drive the property world. There were some very strong contenders making it difficult at times to judge.
“It was great to sit alongside such an interesting and varied panel of judges and I would like to congratulate all those recognised and thank the many inspiring talents whose time will surely come.”
Judge Mark Shipman, founding partner of Michael Elliott, echoed the sense of just how broad the field had become.
“It was a tough assignment sifting through the nominations from a variety of sectors,” he said. “In many ways we were comparing apples with pears, which perhaps suggests future editions might look at different categories. There should also be more thought given, including from me, to proposing more women going forward. The fact is there is a lot of talent out there across all sectors and both genders.”
Out of the judging discussions came something entirely new.
Together with Jewish News, members of the panel have committed to developing a programme of mentorship and networking opportunities aimed at supporting the next generation of Jewish property professionals. The intention is to create a framework open not only to those recognised on this list, but also to emerging talent beyond it, offering guidance, access and practical support at a formative stage of their careers.
It reflects a wider recognition that talent does not always announce itself through nominations, and that some of the most promising individuals may still be working quietly, without sponsors or visibility.
As Daniel Daggers, founder of DDRE Global and a co-sponsor of the list, said: “Recognising talent, ambition and commitment and shining a light on them is the least we can do – just like we try to do at DDRE Global. I look forward to seeing how these professionals impact our industry and achieve great things.”
List co-chair David Ereira added: “It was an absolute honour to co-chair this panel of esteemed judges and to witness such an outstanding group of young property professionals among the nominees. The energy, innovation and calibre on display make it abundantly clear that our industry’s future is in exceptionally good hands.”
This inaugural Property 40 Under 40 stands as more than a snapshot of achievement. It is a statement of intent, celebrating a new generation of leaders while recognising the responsibility the industry has to nurture those who will follow.
For those who made the list, congratulations.
For those who did not, consider this an invitation for next time.
MEET THE JUDGES
Keith Breslauer, managing partner at Patron Capital Partners; Justin Cohen, news editor, Jewish News; Daniel Daggers, founder & CEO of DDRE Global and star of Buying London, Netflix; Daniel Dangoor, worked in the industry for 15 years and leads a family office focused on developing new real estate models; Graham Edwards, executive chairman of Telereal Trillium Group; David Ereira, founding partner of Ereira Mendoza and co chair of the property list; Nathan Ezair, director of Manchester-based Northern Group; Susan Freeman, real estate lawyer and partner at Mishcon de Reya; Andrew Gilbert, co chair of the property list; Jonathan Goldstein, CEO Cain International; the late Nigel Henry, chair and co-founder of Fusion Group; Debbie Ingram, residential property and land consultant in North West London; Candice Krieger, business and tech editor, Jewish News and co-chair of the property list; Ian Livingstone, founder of London & Regional Properties; Jonathan Lewis, retired real estate at CMS, independent director of CPI Property Group; Mark Pollack, founding partner of Aston Chase; Michael Raibin, co-founder of Compton; Lisa Ronson, non-executive director Rontec Roadside Retail; Jonathan Rose, group managing director at Pears Property; Jonny Rosenblatt, co-founder of Spacemade; Mark Shipman, founding partner of Michael Elliott & Co; Marcus Sperber, founder at NorthCroft Capital and former head of global real estate at Blackrock; Roy Zabludowicz, COO of Tamares and an investor in real estate, technology and venture capital across the US, Europe and Middle East
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
