Managing Director: Martin King VR, MBA
My role is to drive growth, build relationships with new and existing clients and to work with our teams to ensure we deliver the best possible service to our customers. I enjoy leading people and enabling teams to maximise their full potential, and it is a privilege to lead FirstPort, as we work to deliver our ambitious plans.
Director of Operational Excellence: Jo Green LLB (Hons)
I work with teams to drive operational excellence across all areas of the business, pioneering improvements through capability and process analysis and implementing best practices – drawing on my experience in strategic growth, operational transformation, and business development to help the company expand and capture additional market share.
Over the past two decades, I have worked in both large international corporations and fast-growing start-ups within the UK’s Build to Rent and residential property management sectors. I am also Chair of the joint TPI and ARL Education and Qualifications Committee, and a member of the BPF Residential Management Committee.
What I enjoy about my role…
Being part of an incredible team and working collaboratively to ensure everything we do is done to the highest of standards.
Director – Later Living and Rest of UK: Gareth Cayford ATPI
My role is to ensure my team deliver on our commitment of keeping residents safe and supporting them in building engaged communities across all our developments. We strive to deliver a service which represents value for money for our customers and clients, underpinned by delivering strong, uncomplicated property management to high standards.
What I most enjoy about my role…
Independent retirement living offers a fantastic way of life for thousands of residents at our developments. I enjoy working with developers, clients, suppliers and customers to continually improve our service offering, deliver further value for money and support the communities in making the most of the communal facilities which provide a welcoming and enjoyable community feel.
Operations Director – London: Victoria Peake MTPI
I have extensive experience in the London real estate market, with a keen interest in new build and regeneration projects, as well as preserving the Capital’s historical mansion block stock. I work with RMCs and Developers to ensure the buildings we look after remain safe and compliant, whilst also ensuring they are well cared for and happy places for residents to live. Through my 20+ years of experience, I’m proud to work with my dedicated London team to provide a tailored service to meet Resident Directors’ requirements, whilst still providing the high standard of core services our customers expect from us. This includes using our experience and expertise to take the burden from Resident Directors when faced with vital projects and complex processes, such as building remediation and major works.
What I most enjoy about my role…
No two days are the same. I oversee multi-block developments with large areas of public open space, through to buildings with amenities that require expert care.
Operations Director – South West: Jonny Holmes MTPI, AssocRICS, FlnstLM
I work closely with clients and stakeholders, including a number of developers, to manage the complexities of estates that typically consist mostly of freehold houses, but with responsibility to maintain communal areas, including play areas, protected habitat, complex drainage systems, established trees, woodland and roads.
What I most enjoy about my role…
I enjoy changing perceptions. When people think of estates their assumption is “cutting the grass”. In reality, modern estates are anything but and require technical expertise and professional management to ensure that often complex facilities are maintained to a high standard.
Operations Director – South East: Jamie Turnbull, BA, MARLA
My role is to lead our local operations teams across the South East, ensuring we are applying the business’ strategy across the region to deliver high standards of service for our customers and clients. Throughout my 30 years in the property industry, I have led teams in asset, lettings, block and estate management across England, Wales and Scotland.
What I enjoy most about my role…
I enjoy building relationships with stakeholders, particularly key developer clients and RMCs across the region and making sure our teams are delivering exactly what they need.
Director of Customer Operations: Cathy Reid
I oversee several departments directly related to the service our customers receive, including customer service, managing assets, and handling external communications. I also work closely with other functions in the business, to ensure that we are continually putting our customers first.
What I most enjoy about my role…
The interaction with people and striving to prioritise our customers’ needs. I love the dynamic nature of our business and workforce, as well as the opportunity to successfully serve our customers. As a certified Change Management Practitioner, with a Mini MBA in Customer Centricity, I have a strong passion for improving processes and the customer journey, to identify areas for enhancement that ultimately benefit our customers.
Finance Director: Will Ahern MBA
My role is to own the financials of FirstPort, ensure we achieve our budgets and make sure controls are in place to protect our financial position. I work closely with the leadership team to make commercial decisions that allow FirstPort to grow and reach our financial goals and targets. The finance team work across the rest of FirstPort to support on monthly results, budgeting and driving our strategy through daily decisions.
What I most enjoy about my role…
The variety of people I get to engage with daily, the fast pace of what we do as a business and the trying to realise the ambitions we have as a company.
Director of Portfolio and Growth: Paul Atkinson MTPI AssocRICS
I am responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with our clients, working with developers, freeholders and investors to ensure the successful management of their properties, whilst helping to navigate some of the more complex and challenging areas of our industry, including ongoing regulatory change.
What I most enjoy about my role…
I work closely with my colleagues to help develop our team and the individuals within it, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to support our clients, whilst also supporting the growth of our business.
HR Director: Emma Melhuish MSc, FCIPD
I’m responsible for leading the HR teams that support FirstPort, including Recruitment, HR Business Partners and Coordinators and the Learning & Development Team. We aim to deliver an effective employee journey — from recruitment through to retirement.
What I most enjoy about my role…
I love the diverse nature of our business and the variety of roles and people I get to work with. No two days are ever the same, which keeps things fresh and engaging. I’m passionate about working alongside the business to help our employees to be the best version of themselves, so they can thrive, develop and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
