Long Harbour, a prominent developer and investment manager, has recently announced the appointment of Véronique Medcalf as their new Group Human Resources Director. Medcalf comes with a wealth of international human resources leadership experience, having previously worked across various sectors including financial services, real estate, and technology. Before joining Long Harbour, she held the position of Head of People for Europe and Singapore at Cromwell Property Group, where she spent nine years. During her tenure there, she played a pivotal role in guiding the people function through significant growth phases and the successful divestiture of the European business to SWI Group.
Strategic Vision for Long Harbour
Long Harbour has cultivated a strong reputation in the market, driven by a genuine commitment to its employees and high standards of governance. Medcalf expressed her enthusiasm about collaborating with the leadership team to further develop the company’s people strategy, enhance talent development capabilities, and support the execution of the business’s investment strategy. She stated, “I look forward to working with the leadership team to continue to develop our people strategy, strengthen our talent development capability and support the business with executing its investment strategy.” This vision underlines the strategic importance Long Harbour places on its human capital as it continues to expand.
Enhancing Organisational Growth
In her new role, Medcalf will report directly to Long Harbour’s executive committee, overseeing the firm’s people strategy across its operations. Her leadership will focus on shaping the organisational culture and building the talent pool necessary to facilitate the firm’s ongoing growth. According to James Aumonier, Chief Operating Officer at Long Harbour, “Her track record in building high-performing, values-led cultures in complex, international organisations will be a real asset to Long Harbour and our team.” This statement highlights the critical role that effective human resources leadership plays in fostering a productive work environment.
Expansion into PBSA Sector
Medcalf’s appointment comes at a time of ongoing expansion within Long Harbour’s UK residential business. The company has recently raised £100 million from the National Housing Bank for its second single-family housing fund, demonstrating its robust growth trajectory. Furthermore, in 2023, Long Harbour made a strategic move into the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector through a new joint venture with Rosethorn Capital Partners. This diversification signals Long Harbour’s commitment to tapping into the lucrative PBSA market, which continues to grow in the UK.