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 30 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, 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
Howard Leslie
Director
Howard manages the Aftercare Team who are responsible for looking after new residents during and after their move. He is continuously developing this programme further to make improvements
Contact
howard@dukelease.com
Background
Director of Operations at Super Cuts Hairdressing chain. The company was established in 1991 and grew to 85 units before being sold in 1999.
Relaxing
Films, sporting events, shooting
David O’Neil
Development Director
David has over 30 years post qualification development and investment experience in all property sectors, and has been director of several major plcs, property companies and investment institutions. His ability as a creative thinker and problem solver has been central to Dukelease’s expansion. His prime responsibility is for development strategy and special projects
Contact
david@dukelease.com
Background
Dawnay Day; Wilson Connolly; YJ Lovell; Bovis.
Relaxing
Travel, attending sporting events
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
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
Julian Keeble
Senior Development Manager
Julian has over 15 years development and investment experience, primarily in the residential sector. He is experienced in all aspects of the development process, from acquisition, planning and design, right through to the delivery phase.
Contact
julian@dukelease.com
Background
CBRE, British Land.
Relaxing
Sport, reading and walking the dog
Jeremy Brown
Development Manager
Jeremy is part of the management team for Dukelease construction management projects.
Contact
jeremy@dukelease.com
Background
With 15 years experience in residential development, Jeremy was previously based at Stephen Howard Homes before joining Dukelease in 2012 .
Relaxing
Family, football & keeping fit.
Casey Purdy NVQ Level 3 in Business & Administration
Aftercare Coordinator
Casey assists in the management of the Dukelease aftercare program, liaising with all parties to ensure property handovers run smoothly and there is positive tenant management post-sale.
Contact
casey@dukelease.com
Background
Starting out in hospitality management roles Casey has progressed into office management working within private and public sectors before commencing her career in property.
Relaxing
Socialising, travelling and film nights.
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
Laura Anderson
PA to CEO
With 15 years’ experience in Office Management and PA administration, Laura looks after the CEO of Dukelease.
Contact
laura@dukelease.com
Background
Starting off as an Office Manager for Tech PR companies, Laura has further expanded her skills in areas such as project management and PA administration.
Relaxing
Relaxing (she doesn't!), family time, travelling and socialising
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.
Shanel Up
Office Manager (Maternity Leave)
Shanel manages all aspects of a busy office and provides support to the CEO.
Contact
shanel@dukelease.com
Background
5 years as an Account Manager in the Advertising industry, followed by PA/Office Manager role in Luxury Brands.
Relaxing
Watching most sports, boxing & art/design
Rebecca Osborne
Receptionist
Rebecca graduated from Oxford Brookes university with first class honours in Business and Management. Responsible for the day-to-day running of a busy office Rebecca also offers administrative support to the wider Dukelease team.
Contact
rebecca@dukelease.com
Background
Rebecca previously worked for an events company, Mercedes Benz and for luxury hotels whilst working and travelling Australia.
Relaxing
Skiing, socialising with friends and finding London's best brunch spots (with the best coffee!)