Living-focussed real estate investment management business Aboria Capital has appointed Eric Byrne as a Senior Adviser. In his new advisory role, Eric will provide the Aboria leadership team with strategic counsel aimed at accelerating the firm’s growth.
Leveraging his insights into global real estate investing, he will advise on how to position the seed portfolio in the market, support corporate/vehicle governance best practice, alongside advising on European growth opportunities beyond the business’ existing standing portfolio and roughly 5,000-bed pipeline.
“What excites me about Aboria is the unique combination of expertise that the business brings together, with Downing’s longstanding operational and development track record in the living sector joining forces with the extensive investment management expertise from Jessica and the wider team.
“Furthermore, the seeding through Downing’s market-leading portfolio provides multiple investment routes via stable day-one income and rare access to a pipeline of prime PBSA opportunities, presenting a hugely compelling investment proposition.
“I look forward to working with Jessica, Bay and the entire Aboria team to accelerate the business’ growth, capitalising on this high-potential, underserved segment of the market.”
Eric Byrne, Senior Adviser, Aboria Capital
Eric is the former Head of UBS Asset Management’s Real Estate & Private Markets multi-manager business. He co-founded the company’s approximately $50bn real estate multi-manager business in 2007 and led the business from 2013 to 2024.
Over the course of a career spanning nearly three decades at UBS, Eric established himself as a key player in developing alternatives investment solutions across all client segments and creating scalable growth through real estate and infrastructure products and mandates.
He held the post of CEO of UBS’ UK Asset Management business for five years, whilst retaining his global multi-manager responsibilities, overseeing the governance of this almost $300bn multi-asset business.
“Eric’s appointment as Senior Adviser bolsters Aboria’s investment management governance and strategic thinking at a pivotal stage as we bring our proposition to market.
“His outstanding reputation and extensive global network will be instrumental in enhancing our ability to position the business most effectively for global institutions and allocators seeking exposure to the real estate sector’s most compelling asset class through a proven team.
“With a unique pipeline aligned to long-term structural trends, we are well-positioned to accelerate our strategy while identifying and executing on additional high-value opportunities across our core conviction living sub-sectors.”
Jessica Hardman, CEO, Aboria Capital
Aboria was established in 2024 as a joint venture between investor and developer Downing Group, led by Bay Downing, and Jessica Hardman – former CEO of DWS UK and Head of European Portfolio Management. The firm aims to target investment into the living sector, with an initial focus on the UK market and longer-term plans to expand into Europe.
The vertically integrated business combines investment management expertise with an established development and operational track record. It is seeded by a £1.4bn UK purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and flex-living development pipeline from Downing.
Aboria will bring in joint venture and club deal partners to recapitalise the recently completed flagship Square Gardens PBSA scheme in Manchester. It is a £375m development which comprises over 2,000 beds.
