UK property developer Godwin Developments has appointed leading industry figure Lesley Roberts, a highly experienced residential and Build to Rent (BTR) professional, as Director of BTR Operations.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Lesley has extensive high-level experience with both the BTR and PRS sectors, and for the last four years has been at the heart of shaping the UK’s Build to Rent offer as President of The UK Apartment Association (UKAA).

Prior to joining Godwin, she served as a Partner at Allsop LLP and CEO of Allsop Letting and Management, where she advised developers and institutional investors on the acquisition, design, build and operation of large-scale BTR portfolios.

Main remit

A member of the British Property Federation’s (BPF) residential board, Lesley also toured the US studying the multifamily model there and was instrumental in the concept and development of the UKAA’s BTR Best Practice Guide launched in 2022. She was previously Chair of Soho Housing Association and held roles at Pinnacle Places, Young Group and City Living London.

As Director of BTR Operations at Godwin Developments, Lesley will play a pivotal role in advancing the company’s plans to build a £1 billion national portfolio. Her main remit will be the creation of the BTR operational strategy across both the single and multifamily developments for the business.

Matt Chandler, Managing Director of Godwin Developments, commented: “Lesley is one of the most respected industry figures and a pre-eminent advocate of the UK BTR sector, with a superb track record and reputation for strategic and hands-on operational leadership.

“This is why we are delighted that she is joining us at such a key point in our journey towards the creation of our new BTR proposition.”