UK Hotel Real Estate Forum 2025

Kristian is a Managing Director in the Investment Team at Tristan Capital Partners with a 12-year track record in European real estate investment. Prior to joining Tristan, Kristian spent five years at CPPIB – Real Estate Investment, where he was focused on the acquisition and asset management of real estate across Europe. During his time in CPPIB, he was involved in direct asset acquisitions, platform investments and PIPE deals, successfully completing in excess of €3.0 billion in transactions. Kristian graduated with a first-class honours degree in Business and Legal Studies from University College Dublin and holds a MSc in Real Estate Investment from Cass Business School. Kristian is an Irish citizen.

Mr. Jenkinson is a Managing Director in Ares Real Estate, where he focuses on European real estate equity. Prior to joining Ares in 2022, Mr. Jenkinson was a Managing Director at Henderson Park, where he focused on real estate private equity acquisitions. Previously, Mr. Jenkinson was an Executive Director in the European Special Situations Group at Goldman Sachs, where he focused on real estate equity and credit investing. In addition, Mr. Jenkinson worked in the Investment Banking Division of the firm, where he focused on mergers and acquisitions and financing advisory assignments. Mr. Jenkinson holds a B.A. (Hons) (Double First) from the University of Cambridge in Economics.

Tina is a Partner at KSL Capital Partners, LLC (“KSL”), a leading global private equity investment manager specialising in the travel and leisure industry, based in the firm’s London office. Since 2005, KSL has raised approximately $25 billion of capital across dedicated equity, debt and tactical opportunities funds. Prior to joining KSL in 2011, Tina was an Investment Banking Analyst at Citigroup in the Real Estate group. Tina is a member of KSL's private equity Investment Committee. Tina was awarded in 2018 The International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) and The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) Young Leader Award and featured as one of the Influential Women in Hospitality by Hotel Magazine in 2018. Tina graduated magna cum laude from The University of Pennsylvania, where she holds a B.S. in Finance and Real Estate from the Wharton School and a B.A. in International Studies from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Raoul Malhotra is the Founder and CEO of Orka Investments, a London-based real estate private equity platform specialising in operational real estate asset classes, including PBSA, hospitality, and opportunistic acquisitions across UK and Europe. Since its inception, Orka has grown to manage over €500 million in assets under management. Earlier in his career, Raoul worked at Meyer Bergman, where he focused on pan-European real estate investments, and at GGP (General Growth Properties) in Chicago, gaining experience across large-scale retail and mixed-use assets. Later this year, Orka will complete the development of The Shepherd, a luxury lifestyle hotel in Mayfair, delivered in joint venture with Bain Capital.

Rachel Kerr helps clients to maximise their property investments and navigate their way through complex commercial acquisitions and developments. She does this by quickly 'getting under the skin' of transactions to effectively meet clients' commercial needs through the identification and provision of practical legal solutions.

Mark specialises in delivering innovative engineering solutions in the hospitality sector, blending heritage preservation with modern functionality. Currently, he leads the prestigious refurbishment of a world-leading 5* hotel in London, balancing historic integrity with cutting-edge engineering on one of the city’s most complex sites. His expertise is in early-stage strategic guidance and complex sequencing on landmark developments.

Barry is a highly regarded construction lawyer, consistently recommended in leading legal directories for his work across a broad spectrum of domestic and international projects. With over 25 years of combined in-house and private practice experience, he is known for helping clients navigate complex construction risks while achieving cost and time objectives. His practice spans hotel and real estate developments, as well as the construction aspects of real estate finance transactions. Barry advises throughout the project lifecycle—from contract negotiation and live project support to dispute avoidance and resolution. Recognised for his commercial acumen and practical, solution-focused advice, Barry has built long- standing global client relationships. Legal directories praise his work as “top-notch, always succinct and to the point, and extremely practical,” with one client noting, “he is, in my view, the best out there.” Another commented on the value of his support during a period of business growth, highlighting the confidence Barry brings to complex project environments. Barry has represented clients in high-stakes disputes before the UK Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and the Technology and Construction Court. He is also a two-time DE&I award finalist (2024 and 2025), acknowledged for his leadership in fostering inclusive workplace cultures and serving as an ambassador for change. His project portfolio includes some of the world’s most iconic leisure and sports developments, such as the London Eye, Sydney Tower, and the Aquatics Centre for the London 2012 Olympics. He regularly advises on global projects across Australasia, Asia, Europe, and North America. Barry is a board member of the Technology and Construction Solicitors’ Association, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and a member of the Society of Construction Law. He is a recognised thought leader in construction law, contributing to leading texts including Knights on Building Regulations Law, Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents, and Cockram’s Manual of Construction Agreements. His articles have appeared in The Times, Estates Gazette, and other respected publications. Barry is a seasoned speaker, having presented at Chatham House, Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the Houses of Parliament, and international forums including the UK-China Rule of Law Roundtable. He brings deep insight and practical expertise to every speaking engagement.

Rajdeep Gahir brings a bold, future-focused lens to growth at Urban Rest, recognised as a new category leader in flexible living for the modern corporate traveller. With a career spanning hospitality, real estate, and prop-tech, she previously founded micro-coliving business Vivahouse and held senior roles at Good Hotels, eBay and WeWork, building ventures that reimagine urban living from the ground up. Since joining in 2025, Rajdeep has led Urban Rest’s expansion across the UK and Europe, forging institutional partnerships and scaling the portfolio with purpose. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree and LSE graduate, she’s passionate about the real estate industry and flexible living solutions that meet the evolving rhythms of modern work and life.

David is a seasoned hotel CEO and entrepreneur based in London. Beginning his career in commercial property development and bank recovery in the early 1990s, he co-founded City Inn in 1995, later rebranded as Mint Hotels. By 2000, Mint had expanded from Edinburgh to London, growing into a 2,700-room business with 2,000 team members across eight newly built hotels. The brand gained numerous awards and financial success, culminating in its sale to Blackstone for over £628 million in 2011. Post-Mint, David focused on individual projects through Urbanist Hotels, collaborating with investors and property owners in London and Edinburgh. In March 2018, David became CEO of Resident Hotels, spearheading its expansion with openings in Kensington, Liverpool, Soho, Victoria, Covent Garden, and Edinburgh. They also led the creation and launch of The Resident brand in 2020, designing new room layouts that are now protected in Europe and the UK. In 2022, Resident Hotels Ltd took over the operation of Sleeperz and Cityroomz, which has been signed as a franchise conversion brand, Four Points Flex by Sheraton with Marriott International. David has also served on various boards and committees, supporting arts and culture, including the Glasgow Science Centre, Visit England, and the National Theatre of Scotland. He also is Chair of The Edgbaston Park Hotel.

Alex is on a mission to shape the future of parking by harnessing advanced technology and innovative solutions that deliver real value. With over a decade of experience in the real estate sector, he specialises in creating data-driven strategies that optimise customer experience while maximising car park utility for landowners and hospitality operators. Before joining GroupNexus, Alex served as Head of Asset Development at Executive Channel Network (ECN), where he led the expansion of their digital media portfolio through strategic partnerships and asset acquisition. This experience deepened his expertise in transforming commercial spaces into high-performing assets. Today, he brings that same vision to the parking sector- unlocking new revenue opportunities, enhancing guest experiences, and helping hotels strengthen connections with their customers.

Guillermo is a visionary leader at Evolution Sustainability Group transforming European commercial real estate to become efficient and cost savvy. He orchestrates the company’s European Union operations with a blend of expertise and passion for sustainability. With over a decade of experience in renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. His impressive career includes spearheading transformative projects for both the private and public sectors, such as the development of impact studies for the European Environment Agency (EEA). These studies have played a crucial role in shaping the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Guillermo’s in-depth knowledge of European sustainability standards and regulations ensures that his initiatives not only meet but exceed legislative expectations. Guillermo's knack for market expansion is well-documented, supported by his extensive network and strategic partnerships with influential sustainability organizations like the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN). His efforts are pivotal in fostering collaboration and driving business growth for Evolution Sustainability Group across Europe.

Tim is a partner in the corporate team, specialising in hotel transactions, acting for major international hotel operator companies, private and institutional hotel owners/franchisees, property companies, multinational organisations, developers, institutional investors, and governmental bodies. As well as his time in private practice, Tim has also spent a significant amount of his legal career working as in-house counsel for hotel operator brands.

Ricky Dattani has extensive experience in enabling mobile connectivity for hospitality clients, helping them deliver scalable, secure indoor mobile networks that elevate guest experience and drive operational efficiency. At Wireless Infrastructure Group (WIG), Ricky partners with the leading UK mobile operators to deploy high-quality mobile coverage solutions in complex environments. WIG’s portfolio includes premium hospitality venues such as The Dorchester, The Savoy and The Ned, where seamless mobile connectivity is essential to delivering a five-star experience.