Hatfield Philips Announces Realignment Of Organisational Responsibilities

LONDON, March 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hatfield Philips International ("HPI"), Europe's premier commercial real estate debt advisory firm, today announced the completion of a planned realignment of organisational responsibilities to further strengthen its market leading capabilities and enhance customer service.

As part of the realignment, Wilhelm Hammel, Director of Strategic & Business Development Germany, will join HPI's senior management team. Mr. Hammel joined HPI in January 2012 and has over 15 years experience in real estate investment and finance previously holding senior positions at Elystan Capital and Lehman Brothers' Real Estate Fund. Matt Carson has been appointed Director of Operations & Infrastructure for HPI. Mr. Carson joined HPI in 2012 after spending 15 years at Morgan Stanley.

"We regularly assess our organizational and operational structure to ensure we consistently provide superior results for our clients and partners and maintain our role as trusted advisor to Europe's leading debt issuers and investors," said Blair Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Hatfield Philips. "We are in a great position today with an incredible team of talented professionals, and we will continue to invest in resources to bolster our market leading capabilities and enhance customer service."

Separately, after nine years at HPI and LNR Property LLC ("LNR") Managing Director Matthias Schlueter will be leaving the firm. Mr. Schlueter will remain part of HPI over the next few weeks to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities, which will be assumed by members of the firm's senior management team. The realignment has been carefully planned to ensure there are no disruptions to HPI's business operations. Mr. Schlueter will also resign from his role as Chief Operating Officer of LNR's European group companies.

During his tenure at HPI and LNR, Mr. Schlueter held a number of roles and responsibilities including overseeing the underwriting and performance review for LNR's U.S. CMBS portfolio, directing LNR's European LEI Fund's asset management and disposition strategies and managing the operations of LNR's European business activities. Since assuming the role as European Head of Asset Services and Managing Director of HPI in 2011, Mr. Schlueter has been directing the group's European loan servicing, asset management and non-investment advisory businesses.

"We thank Matthias for his dedication and service over the years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours," stated Mr. Lewis.

About Hatfield Philips International Ltd
Hatfield Philips International is one of Europe's largest primary and special servicer with approximately £15 billion assets under management. Since its inception in 1997, the Company has established itself as a full-service loan servicer, offering a complete suite of products and services to a wide range of clients that issue, own or invest in commercial mortgage backed securities and loan portfolios. Hatfield Philips is a subsidiary of LNR Property, a United States-based real estate investment, finance, management and development firm, which was acquired by Starwood Property Trust (NYSE: STWD) in January 2013.

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