Paul Smith joins from Aviva Investors where he was responsible for the asset management of 15 assets valued in excess of £600 mln (€684 mln) within UK cities including Manchester, Birmingham, and London.

Philip Smith has gained experience over the past six and a half years in JLL’s asset management team, focusing on value-add opportunities across mostly industrial and office assets.

During his time at the global agency, he also served a secondment to AEW Europe, where he worked to deliver returns on shopping centres, office and logistic assets in the UK, Nordics and Spain.

Based in London, both professionals will primarily work on development and refurbishment projects across the UK.

Ian Mayhew, managing director, UK asset management, at Barings, said: 'Paul and Philip join the team with experience from global real estate names, making them a highly complementary fit to Barings as we continue to place growing importance on strategic asset management, refurbishment and development.

'With a number of premium buildings across our preferred investment classes – namely logistics, residential and core offices in prime locations particularly central London – the strengthening of our asset management team is integral to our investment strategies as we seek to deliver attractive returns to our clients.'

Paul Smith said: 'Barings is a highly reputable firm, known for an approach that is drawn from global insights and local expertise.

'I look forward to contributing to the growth of the business, creating spaces with personality and with embedded sustainability that stand out in the market, and enhancing the first-class assets acquired in recent times such as Soapworks, 25 Moorgate and our logistics development on Omega West, Warrington.'