David earned an MBA from Bar Ilan University in Israel in 2015. He started managing development projects on behalf of the Group around the same time. He has also spent time exploring the local VC and the startup ecosystems. After working in another family office which specialised in lending, funds and real estate investment, David became a director of a number of the Group Companies in 2023.
Simon Childs FCCA has worked in commercial property for over 30 years including senior finance roles with Olympic & York Developments during the development of Canary Wharf and Slough Estates Plc. Simon was appointed as Finance Director of Sydney & London Properties in 1996 and subsequently Group Finance Director in 1998 before becoming Chief Executive in April 2019.
As Chief Executive, Simon is responsible for the overall management of the business.
Rhys qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2012, and spent seven years with a large independent accountancy practice, primarily in accounts and audit, before moving into industry in 2016. Since his move into industry, he worked as the Finance Manager of a Group of companies in large earthworks contracting, and for five years was the Group Finance Director of a prominent South Wales construction group. Both roles also provided exposure to commercial and residential property matters.
In his role at Sydney & London Properties, Rhys is the Finance Director of the Group and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the finance function. Other responsibilities include all matters pertaining to Group banking and external debt finance, as well as all commercial and corporate insurance requirements. He is part of the executive team charged with overseeing and developing the commercial lending arm of the group.
Richard Anning FRICS has been active in the property industry for over 40 years.
Since 1988, Richard has held a pivotal role in the Sydney & London property business, as Group Property Director (1988 -1996), Chief Executive (1996-2019) and Executive Chairman (2019-July 2024).
Richard is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and former Member of the RICS General Council.
He has served on a range of boards as a non-executive director and is a former governor of Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Hugh Phillips FRICS DipArb was appointed as a non-executive director of Sydney & London in 2018 but has also held executive office within the group.
Hugh has been active in the property industry for over 40 years; in the public sector, in private practice and as a Partner for Knight Frank LLP from 2007 to 2019.
Hugh specialises in commercial compulsory purchase and compensation work for acquiring authorities and claimants throughout the country. He provides expert evidence to public local inquiries, the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) and parliamentary select committees.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and former Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Andy Armstrong joined the Board as a non-executive director in April 2021 and was appointed as Chairman of the Board in July 2024.
Andy brings a wealth of banking and property expertise to the Group having spent 43 years operating in the areas of Corporate Banking, Credit and Risk and Real Estate in U.K., Europe and Middle East for HSBC, and latterly as Global Vice Chairman Corporate Real Estate for HSBC.
Alix Mortimer joined our Finance team in 2008 and became Company Secretary in 2024.
Alix has extensive experience of property management administration including accounts preparation and financial reporting.
Prior to joining Sydney & London, Alix was Company Secretary for the local branch of a national charitable organisation.
An accounting professional with a background in analysis, budgeting and reporting, developed through studies and hands-on experience at two top 20 firms. Over the years, Shane’s had the chance to work with a variety of clients and industries, constantly growing his skills and refining his approach to deliverables. His journey, from earning his MSc to gaining practical experience, has been one of continuous learning and improvement, and he’s passionate about helping businesses achieve their financial goals.
Some of Shane’s duties include accounts preparation and financial reporting and aspects of property management administration, including rent, service charge and insurance billing and collection matters, tenant liaison, payments function, and general bookkeeping duties.
Janet James joined Sydney & London in 2008. Janet has a wealth of experience in large and small organisations alike and has held a variety of roles in administration and facilities management.
Janet provides wide ranging administrative and secretarial support to all members of the executive team and is responsible for all front office duties.
Karen Clark joined Sydney & London in 2024. Karen has a wealth of experience in administration obtained while working in Film Production.
Karen provides wide ranging administrative and executive assistant support to the company owner and is responsible for a wide variety of management tasks.