The people behind GMS

Tom joined GMS in May 2023 and took over as Managing Director on 1st June 2023.
Tom’s career began at Knight Frank in the City of London before joining Land Securities in 2005 where he worked for 11 years leading the city portfolio team and more latterly as head of investment for London. In 2016 Tom joined McKay Securities Plc, specialising in offices and logistics in London and the south east, as a main board Property Director responsible for the portfolio and their ESG strategy.

Tom loves racket sports, skiing, Fulham football club and spending time with his family.

BSc, MRICS

Tom, after 18 years as managing director has stepped down from the role. He still continues as Executive Director and to be pivotal in the outstanding variety and quality of property portfolio on offer from the group. After graduating as a Building Surveyor from the South Bank Polytechnic in 1986, he joined a successful surveying firm and became a partner before taking the mantle at GMS in 1997. Tom enjoys outdoor pursuits in his spare moments – predominantly sailing, skiing and cycling – and is a proud father to his three children.

Laura is a solicitor with 15 years’ experience in the real estate sector. Previously, she worked in private practice in the city and then in-house for a large plc. During that time Laura gained a wealth of knowledge acting for investors, developers and occupiers. Laura is able to use this varied experience to provide a well-rounded perspective.

Laura has close historical ties to GMS, given that her grandfather worked for the company over 70 years ago as a general contractor. She is committed to ensuring the ongoing success of the company.

In her spare time Laura enjoys outdoor pursuits with her family and travelling.

BA (Hons), Dipsurv, MRICS

James plays a central role within the GMS surveying team, applying his skill and experience in commercial property across the group’s estate. Both hardworking and conscientious, he takes a pragmatic approach to the construction, management and refurbishment of the GMS property portfolio – highlighted by his contribution to the impressive refurbishment of Stukeley Street. Having previously shared a career between Bristol and New Zealand, James joined GMS in 2015 after relocating back to the UK. He enjoys spending his spare moments cycling, skiing or target shooting.

BSc Building Surveying, MRICS

Robert is a key member of the GMS surveying team and is responsible for analysing and inspecting each property across the group’s estate, ensuring the highest of standards remain. He has worked at the firm for over a decade and played a pivotal role in the outstanding redevelopment of the group’s head office at 32 Great James Street, which was presented with a Camden Design Award. Robert is an avid fan of all motorsports and regularly enjoys attending live music concerts.

BA (Hons) Architecture, MSc Surveying, MRICS

Maisie is a key member of the GMS surveying team, bringing exemplary skill and knowledge in handling renovation projects and design-orientated schemes within the firm’s property portfolio. After gaining degrees both in Architecture and Surveying, she acquired a wealth of experience working for a number of award-winning property and construction specialists before joining GMS in 2014. Determined yet calm and thoughtful under pressure, Maisie enjoys renovating properties in her spare time and is also a keen snowboarder.

Sophie joined GMS in 2019 at the residential lettings department in Bayswater to begin her journey in property, Sophie has since decided to study Building Surveying at the University College of Estate Management and has now joined the surveying team at Head Office hoping to develop and soak up experience within the field. As well as playing hockey in her spare time, she also enjoys sailing and skiing.

Kerry is crucial to the daily running and organisation of the GMS head office on Great James Street in central London, coordinating a host of tasks from staff administration duties to arranging the group’s AGM. After enjoying a career in the corporate financial services for over 25 years, she joined GMS in 2016 and is valued for her diligence and keen attention to detail. A loving mother to her son, Kerry is a keen bookworm and enjoys frequent visits to the cinema and theatre.

Phil joined GMS in 2019 and brings a wealth of experience to his role following a lengthy career working in the public sector alongside solicitors, surveyors and property managers. A popular figure within the team, he brings a positive yet practical attitude and exemplary organisational skills to the company. Phil is a music lover and enjoys regular visits to the theatre.

CILEx Legal Secretary

Amy acts as personal assistant and support to the executive directors, ensuring all administrative tasks are completed. Diligent, organised and conscientious, she is a popular member of the team and was recently responsible for organising all components of a staff teambuilding trip to Copenhagen. Amy enjoys socialising with her friends, reading and travelling in her spare moments.

Imogen joined GMS Estates in 2022 as a Junior Executive PA. With a strong attention to detail and a talent for organisation, she provides vital daily support to the Managing Director, helping to ensure the smooth running of operations. Her proactive nature and positive attitude make her a key member of the team. Beyond her administrative role, Imogen is also responsible for organising internal company events and external functions, contributing to the lively and collaborative culture at GMS Estates. Outside of work, she enjoys attending festivals and going on holidays with friends.

George leads the GMS accounts team and has worked for the group since joining in 2001. He graduated in Accountancy in 1988 and in the same year relocated from his native Scotland to forge a career in England as a finance trainee with a multiple retail brand. Having also managed an accounts department in a separate role prior to joining GMS, he was promoted to his current position as Head of Accounts in 2013. George enjoys spending time with his family and is a keen football fan.

NVQ Level 2 Business Administration

Ivan joined GMS in 2013 as part of the group’s fruitful apprenticeship scheme and has never looked back since. Supported by GMS while completing his qualifications in Business Administration, he is a valued member of the accounts department and offers an adaptable yet practical approach to his role. Ivan enjoys experimenting with music production in his spare time, while he also recently joined colleagues to help raise just under £8,000 for The Sick Children’s Trust as part of a gruelling charity cycle ride in London.

Jose joined GMS in 2021 and is a member of the group’s accounts department. He graduated from Brunel University with a finance degree and has a wealth of experience from his previous role in a top 50 accountancy firm. Jose devotes his time for friends and family, except for when Liverpool FC are playing #YNWA.

Joined GMS In Jan 2022 and has instantly blended into our accounts department. A bubbly and outspoken member of the team with a can-do attitude with a wealth of experience to tackle the everyday accounts administration. Loves a good book, strolls in the park and a good Movie Marathon!

Leading the GMS residential department, Drew is responsible for the seamless administration and maintenance of properties, ensuring tenants' needs are promptly addressed. She joined the team in 2019 and has many years of experience including acting as an agent for GMS. This has endowed her with an intimate understanding of the portfolio and a wealth of knowledge in the industry. Drew enjoys cooking and is partial to a G&T.

Omar is the recent product of the group’s apprenticeship scheme and assists in the smooth operation of GMS’ residential property portfolio. Both diligent and confident, he lends a natural approach to building lasting relationships with tenants and has recently also played a key role in the installation of new software in the group’s residential office. Omar is an avid football fan and enjoys socialising with his friends during his spare time.

Rachel is a dedicated Office Administrator/Assistant with a passion for streamlining processes and enhancing workplace efficiency. With a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving, she has quickly become an indispensable part of her team. Outside the office, Rachel immerses herself in the worlds of reading, sewing, and drawing, finding joy in the creativity and precision each hobby requires. An avid traveller, she loves to capture the beauty of her destinations through photography, creating lasting memories of her adventures. Rachel's unique blend of organisational skills, artistic talents, and wanderlust make her a dynamic and versatile professional.