Ian Baron
48 St Georges Road
Summary
Dynamic investment professional with a proven track record at ISL Capital, excelling in acquisitions, deal structuring, negotiating and team management. Achieving over 50% IRR in diverse property investments. Expert in capital raising and asset management, adept at navigating complex negotiations to drive growth and maximising deal returns.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Partner
ISL Capital
11.2018 - Current
- Developed and implemented diverse investment strategies across the capital stack, with a focus on long-term income.
- Created a strategic framework and built out a team to acquire and manage over 2,000 long-dated, inflation-linked leasehold properties for a long-dated income pension fund vehicle.
- Strategic land purchase from Transport for London, achieving planning consent for new BTR development.
- Structured asset management portfolio acquisition from a listed REIT, including identifying assets, underwriting, raising debt/equity, and negotiating deals.
- Acquired a multi-unit commercial investment from a listed UK housebuilder, with occupiers including Tesco PLC.
- Strategic advisory services to family offices and institutional partners, identifying and capitalising on investment opportunities, including prime London commercial.
Partner
Blockbuyers
01.2014 - 11.2018
- Successfully built a diverse portfolio of multi-sector property investments, including BTR, single-family, student, retail, and office.
- Led strategic direction, financial analysis, structuring, capital/debt raising, and asset management.
- Sourced, structured, and managed acquisitions.
- Asset-managed portfolio to increase rent roll, lease terms, and tenant profile.
- Exceeded 50% blended IRR across deals.
- Established partnerships and JVs with private and institutional investors.
Investment, Development, and Special Projects
Devere Group
08.2011 - 08.2013
- Served as the right hand to the Chairman and Property Director of a 10,000-employee, £2bn group.
- Involved in all aspects of operational real estate, from new acquisitions, development, portfolio management, capital expenditure, and disposals.
- Played a leading role in the workout and disposal of the group's assets, working closely with Lloyds Banking Group.
- Optimised and repurposed assets to maximize value ahead of disposal, including the £400 million Village Hotel Portfolio, DeVere Luxury Hotels, De Vere Venues, MWB Business Exchange, Malmaison, and Hotel Du Vin.
Investment Manager
Stonehage Flemming
12.2009 - 08.2011
- Managed ultra-high-net-worth portfolios for a £29 billion wealth manager, optimising performance, and ensuring alignment with long-term goals.
- Involved in structuring and managing international investments, including multi-unit residential German funds, logistics portfolios, hotel investments, and high-end residential London developments.
- Managed, structured offshore structures, producing quarterly reports to investors.
- Lead the management of a £100m+ Future Generation Income Fund for a UHNW client, including prime London offices, and residential.
Education
Master of Science - Real Estate
Cass Business School
London01.2009
Business Commerce - Hons
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, UK01.2007
Skills
- Deal Structuring
- Asset Management
- Acquisition
- Team Management
- Private Equity
- Capital Raising
- Negotiation
- Operational Real Estate
Charitablework
- Norwood Ravenswood, Chair, 06/01/08, 06/01/17, Raised over £500k for Norwood by establishing the first industry awards for young professionals in property, enhancing the charity's visibility and impact., Actively support community initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children and families.
- Gifted Ventures, Founder, 10/01/19, Present, Established an initiative to support neurodiverse founders through mentorship and strategic guidance., Oversaw investments in 12 startups, including Fussy, NEAT, Fanbase, and Pickles, fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem., Facilitate workshops and networking events to empower emerging entrepreneurs.
Affiliations
- Speed Innovation Grant - University of Birmingham
- Charitable work including chairing the Young Norwood Property Dinner, raising over £500k
- Invested in 12 neurodiverse led startups including mentoring founders
- Avid sportsperson, representing Great Britain in Athletics
- Regular Tennis, Padel and Golf Player
Timeline
Partner
ISL Capital
11.2018 - Current
Partner
Blockbuyers
01.2014 - 11.2018
Investment, Development, and Special Projects
Devere Group
08.2011 - 08.2013
Investment Manager
Stonehage Flemming
12.2009 - 08.2011
Master of Science - Real Estate
Cass Business School
Business Commerce - Hons
University of Birmingham