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 35 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 known reputation for performing. His vision and passion for development have made Dukelease one of the fastest growing central London developers.
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
Acquisitions
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
Matt Rosser
Development Manager
Matt, graduated Westminster University in 2012 in Building Surveying and spent first few years of his career within Surveying before making the move into Project Management. Over the past 6 years Matt has worked both Consultancy and Developer side before making the move to Dukelease.
Contact
matt@dukelease.com
Background
Matt has previously worked for consultancies such as Turner & Townsend and a private Developer THAT Group..
Relaxing
Football, golf, spending time with family & friends
Louise Brown
Executive Assistant to CEO
An Executive Assistant with over 20 years experience. Louise looks after the CEO of Dukelease.
Contact
louise@dukelease.com
Background
Starting in the Insurance industry, Louise moved into the property world 13 years ago.
Relaxing
A keen interest in interiors, fitness, fashion and four legged furry friends
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 Malherbe
Office Administrator
Background
Sue has 19 years' experience in the short term claims insurance industry.
Relaxing
Reading, theatre, exploring London