Our Team
A family owned and run business, Dukelease has a diverse team of in-house specialists driving each stage of every project. Our team possess a wealth of expertise spanning design, planning, development, sales and marketing, property management and finance. We provide strong hands-on leadership so that our project teams work together to focused objectives throughout the life of a project.
.Richard Leslie FRICS
Chief Executive Officer
Richard is the founder of Dukelease and has over 40 years’ experience in real estate. Previously Head of Retail and Development at Barrington Laurence, Richard went on to co-found Leslie Perkins specialising in retail agency and development before starting Dukelease. With his superb network and excellent relationships with leading property players Richard has a reputation for producing quality developments. His vision and passion for development and unflinching attention to detail have made Dukelease one of the fastest growing and noticeable developers in central London and, more recently, in other parts of the UK.
Contact
richard@dukelease.com
Background
FRICS; Partner, Barrington Laurance; Senior Partner, Leslie Perkins.
Relaxing
Golf, attending major sporting events around the world, entertaining
Spencer Leslie BA(Hons) ACA
Chief Financial Officer
A qualified chartered accountant, Spencer has built key relationships with some of the UK’s largest banks and high-net-worth equity providers. He plays a key role in the analysis of new acquisitions and his financial prudence has helped Dukelease through the credit crunch and brexit, enabling it to flourish.
Contact
spencer@dukelease.co.uk
Background
Set up Super Cuts Hairdressing chain in 1991, which grew to 85 units before he sold the company in 1999.
Relaxing
Golf, football, films
Paul Cook DIP ARCH RIBA
Managing Director
Paul has worked in the construction industry since 1976 and qualified as a Chartered Architect in 1986. His association with Dukelease dates back to the company's early years during which time he acted as consultant architect from 2001 before joining the company full-time as Projects Director in 2007. Paul was appointed Managing Director of Dukelease in 2014, his focus is to shape the character and content of each project from inception through to delivery.
Contact
paul@dukelease.com
Background
Began in the industry in 1976 and RIBA-qualified in 1987.
Relaxing
Musician, artist
Ian Williams-Slaven
Director
Ian is an accomplished development project manager, experienced in leading and delivering substantial multi-project development portfolios through the entire construction process – from conception to completion and exit.
Contact
ian@dukelease.com
Background
Halcyon Property, Square Foot Properties.
Relaxing
Training for and competing in Ironman challenges
Lynne Hughes
Legal Counsel
With 15 years experience at West End and City private practices, Lynne advises the business on all property related legal issues covering acquisitions, lender requirements and property management.
Contact
lynne@dukelease.com
Background
Partner, Brechers; Partner, Nicholson Graham & Jones.
Relaxing
Travel, reading, theatre
René Fourie BSc (Hons) Surveying
Head of Sales & Marketing
René plays a key role in design development of all projects, oversees marketing and sales collateral and deals with all residential and commercial sales and lettings. With a background in property management, she also coordinates managing agent appointments and oversees ongoing management matters with the aftercare team.
Contact
rene@dukelease.com
Background
7 years of property management at Wright & Partners; Legal secretary, Neuhoff & Van Deventer (SA).
Relaxing
Netball, music, gardening
Oliver Brecher BA (Hons - Cantab) Land Economy
Investment Manager
Oliver graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2016, following which he spent time as an analyst at Royal Bank of Canada within their European Real Estate Finance division. At Dukelease, Oliver concentrates on acquisitions, working closely with Richard on the sourcing, analysis and evaluation of new deals.
Contact
oliverb@dukelease.com
Background
University Graduate; Analyst at Royal Bank of Canada.
Relaxing
Travelling, skiing, socialising, golf (albeit rather handicapped…) & Bond movies
Hunter Gore
Development Manager
Hunter has global experience in the delivery of large residential and commercial projects from acquisition to completion in London, Vancouver and Brisbane.
Contact
hunter@dukelease.com
Background
AECOM (London), Bold Properties (Vancouver), YSH (Brisbane).
Relaxing
Travel, rugby, Australian Ashes victories
Ben White BSC (Hons – Oxford Brookes) Real Estate
Investment Analyst
Ben graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2020. At Dukelease, he works closely with Oliver and Richard on acquisitions, in particular analysing and evaluating new opportunities.
Contact
ben@dukelease.com
Background
University Graduate.
Relaxing
Football, socialising and travelling
Katie Walsh
Executive Assistant to CEO
An experienced Senior Executive Assistant, with superior knowledge of international companies supporting high net worth established individuals on a business and private level, within many differing industries for over 20 years.
Contact
katie@dukelease.com
Background
Experience in a variety of sectors including finance, fintech, family office, property, and media..
Relaxing
Photography, cooking, technology, and travel.
Christine Schembri
PA to Managing Director & Development Team
An experienced property administrator, Christine looks after the development and construction management teams at Dukelease.
Contact
christine@dukelease.com
Background
Christine has gained comprehensive experience working in the UK and Italy in a variety of sectors including finance, education and property.
Relaxing
Cooking, family and all things Italian.
Sue Lyon
Project Coordination Administrator
Background
Sue has supported teams in many different sectors, from architecture to project management, and finds the property market in London to be consistently exciting.
Relaxing
Travelling, cooking, and rarely turning down an opportunity for karaoke.