Hilltop Credit Partners hires Craven as senior construction and development advisor

He will be based in London and work closely with Paul Oberschneider, CEO and founder of Hilltop Credit Partners.

Craven will focus on “supporting partners across the development lifecycle – from design, value optimisation, costing and cash flow through to construction refinement, contract negotiations, management, and planning – ensuring the delivery of schemes on time and within budget”.

He will also ensure the business is investing with “purpose” and having a “positive impact” on the built environments. He will work with sponsors to ensure developments meet sustainability guidelines and use modern means of construction.

Craven joins from Roud Hill Capital where he worked for around five years, most recently as head of development.

Before that he ran his own development platform and development consultancy team at Arcadis for around 15 years.

He has also held roles at Balfour Beatty and John Mowlem. His experience spans numerous regions, including the UK, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, France, Sweden, and USA.

Hilltop Credit Partners has been growing its team, recently hiring Claudiu Gheorgita as its chief investment officer.

‘A unique perspective to underwriting’

Oberschneider commented: “Given the current complexities in the development lending space, George’s 35 years of development and cost analysis experience across multiple market cycles will be invaluable.

“As a living sector specialist with a global background, George will bring a unique perspective to our underwriting function, whilst his entrepreneurial ethos aligns with that of both Hilltop Credit Partners and our many clients.

“The opportunity in the alternative lending space remains compelling, and we continue to strengthen the senior team to support our significant growth ambitions.”

Craven added: “Hilltop Credit Partners has consistently partnered with dynamic and ambitious borrowers to deliver high quality and much-needed real estate, which I’m excited to be driving forward.

“As the uncertain macroeconomic backdrop persists, those lenders that have the knowledge to work closely with partners to successfully deliver schemes will be increasingly well placed to increase market share.”