PLATFORM_ appoints Matt Garner as new chief financial officer

He brings a wealth of financial experience from his 13 years of real estate CFO roles, most recently at Praxis Real Estate Management Limited. He has an extensive track record in transforming finance functions and leading transactions, including executing £800m of real estate debt facilities.

Matt also spent six years at PwC following qualification as a Chartered Accountant at Simmons Gainsford Group.

PLATFORM_ is now entering its second decade of operation as a leading UK BTR investor, developer and operator. Having first opened its doors to residents at its Exeter development in 2016, it has successfully developed a portfolio and pipeline of circa 4,200 homes.

PLATFORM_ is currently developing the first phase of its 1.3m sq ft Sweetfields neighbourhood in Leeds with Housing Growth Partnership. It recently secured planning for its 352-home city-centre scheme in Bristol and expects to start on site shortly to develop 355 high-quality rental homes in Milton Keynes.

PLATFORM_ also operates 1,500 homes that it has developed under the PLATFORM_ brand across Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Sheffield with partners including Northwood Investors and Heimstaden Bostad.

Matt Garner succeeds Jonathan Rae who is leaving PLATFORM_ after 8 years to take up the role of CFO at Grosvenor Property UK.

Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO at PLATFORM_, said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Matt to the executive team at PLATFORM_ and excited about the new skills and experience he brings to support the continued growth of the business as we deliver our development pipeline, acquire new opportunities and grow our management services.

“At the same time, we’re sorry to see Jon leave after he has contributed so much to the development of our business since joining in 2018. He has been a trusted partner to me and many others across the business. We wish him all the very best in his new role.”

Matt Garner, CFO at PLATFORM_ added: “PLATFORM_ has a strong track record of delivering high‑quality homes at scale, creating both an exceptional resident experience and long‑term value for investment partners. I’m delighted to join the team at an exciting stage, as the business continues to grow and deliver its development pipeline, while continuing to expand its operating platform, including into third-party management.”

Jonathan Rae commented: “It’s been a privilege to work with the exceptionally talented team at PLATFORM_ over the last 8 years. The real estate sector has faced a number of seismic challenges over this period but at PLATFORM_ we always found a way to keep delivering new homes and growing our service offering under the PLATFORM_ brand.

“This is down to the ingenuity and dedication of the people at PLATFORM_ as well as an unwavering focus on building relationships over the long term.”