Goodstone Living makes operations director appointment

Newbie build to rent developer Goodstone Living has named former Realstar executive Aleksandra Morisson as operations director of the firm.

The business, set up in 2021 by Essential Living founders Darryl Flay and Martin Bellinger with the backing of Australian bank Macquarie said Morisson will lead its operating strategy, and be given significant input into the design of its build-to-rent projects.

Morisson was an operation VP at Realstar, and comes to Goodstone after five years as head of operations at Uncle, Realstar’s own build to rent platform, where Goodstone said she oversaw management of 2,500 homes in London and Manchester.

She has previously worked at Urbanest and Regus.

Goodstone has been backed by Macquarie with £1bn in debt and equity and at the time of its launch in July last year a spokesperson said it aimed to build a “market-leading portfolio of scale”. The firm has already secured permission for a 550-home scheme in Digbeth, Birmingham, and has bought a site for 338 homes in Leith, Edinburgh.

The appointment comes after Goodstone named Iliya Blazic, former chief investment officer at IQ Student prior to its 2020 £4.7bn sale to Blackstone, as chief executive in November.

Martin Bellinger, co-founder and principal of Goodstone Living, said Morisson was a “fantastic appointment”. He said: “Aleksandra’s leadership and experience will support our business to unlock additional value for our assets and generate improved outcomes for our capital partners.”

Aleksandra Morisson, director of operations at Goodstone Living, said: “I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to innovating to push the boundaries in relation to social value creation, sustainability, technology, and the overall customer experience.”