Leading Hull-based commercial property and investment business Wykeland Group has appointed vastly-experienced executive Neil Riseham as Property Director.
Mr Riseham brings to Wykeland more than 25 years of experience in senior roles delivering high-value estates, development and transformation programmes across the UK.
He joins the business as Wykeland continues to develop existing assets and expand its property portfolio in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the Humber.
As Property Director, he will focus on working with and supporting current and new occupiers, identifying opportunities within Wykeland’s existing portfolio, and adding value to property assets.
Mr Riseham has joined the company from leading public transport business Arriva Bus, where he was UK Property Director.
Previously he held senior roles with two Hull-based businesses with UK-wide footprints.
As Property Director of MKM Building Supplies he played a key role in building the portfolio from 50 to more than 130 sites across the UK over a six-year period.
Prior to that, Mr Riseham was Divisional Director, Estate and Facilities, for UK safety equipment and services leader Arco, responsible for the company’s property portfolio and facilities.
A graduate of Leeds Beckett University, he began his career with defence and aerospace giant BAE Systems, progressing from entry level to senior leadership, ultimately becoming Head of Project Management, Property and Facilities.
Mr Riseham said: “I’ve worked nationally for the past 20 years, but I’ve always maintained my Hull property connections and known Wykeland as an excellent company with great people and wonderful projects.
“Wykeland doesn’t just deliver property projects; the business focuses on the cultural and social aspects of development and regeneration as well. Wykeland also has an outstanding reputation for long-term, patient investment, development and property management. That’s all really appealing to me.
“I’m looking forward to working on lots of exciting projects and having the opportunity to do good things, both commercially and for the community.”
Wykeland is one of the leading commercial developers focused on Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the Humber. The company’s property holdings include many of the region’s premier business parks and commercial developments, including the Bridgehead site close to the Humber Bridge; the @TheDock tech campus in Hull’s Fruit Market; the fast-growing Melton West business park, west of Hull; and northern Lincolnshire’s leading business location, Europarc.
Wykeland also owns and operates the Flemingate retail and leisure destination in Beverley, East Yorkshire, and is the 50% owner of the Waterside centre in Lincoln, with joint venture partner Lincolnshire Co-op.
Wykeland’s urban regeneration credentials include the £100m-plus development of the Fruit Market urban village in Hull and the rebirth of Whitefriargate in Hull city centre, including the stunning restoration of the landmark former Burton building.
Mr Riseham succeeds the previous Property Director David Donkin, who retired earlier this year after nine years in the role.
Wykeland Managing Director Dominic Gibbons said: “We’re delighted to have appointed Neil to this key position.
“He brings considerable experience and expertise to the business, from his previous roles delivering and managing large-scale property portfolios.
“Neil’s credentials complement the extensive capabilities across our exceptionally strong leadership group and ensure we continue to have a top-class team in place to deliver upon our ambitions.”