La Fosse Executive announces dual appointments to the Board at Lifestory

La Fosse Executive is delighted to announce the dual Non-Executive Director appointments of Laure Duhot and Simon Harrison to the Board at Lifestory, an Oaktree Capital portfolio company. This was the result of a retained Executive Search process run by Tom Granger and Jemima Cooper.

Lifestory is a UK-headquartered business founded in 2019, formed from the merger of property developers PegasusLife, Anthology, and Renaissance Retirement. Lifestory’s platform has provided high-quality homes to customers at every stage of life – from first-time buyers through to independent later living. Entering its next phase of growth, Lifestory is now focusing on build-to-rent (BtR) homes specifically for the senior market. Trading through its Pegasus brand and building on the demand for age-appropriate rental homes, the ambition is to become the largest developer and operator of rental homes for customers aged 60+ in the UK. To help with this transition, Lifestory sought two additions to its Board to bring expertise across senior living, build-to-rent, and capital raising.

Tom Granger, Head of La Fosse Executive’s CEO and NED Practice, and Jemima Cooper, Executive Researcher, partnered together to find a qualified shortlist of candidates quickly and effectively, gauging both professional and cultural fit. A thorough research and screening process ensured alignment with Lifestory’s needs, culminating in the appointment of Laure Duhot and Simon Harrison.

Laure is a veteran real estate private equity professional who has closed over £17bn of transactions during her career. She has been a pioneer in UK senior living, build-to-rent, single-family rent, student housing, and affordable housing through for-profit registered providers. She has also worked with large housing associations, housebuilders, developers, and the MMC industry. Laure is currently an independent member of CBRE’s UK investment committee, with other NED Board seats including Safestore, Primary Healthcare Properties, and ORPEA.

“Having embarked on a portfolio career a couple of years ago, I was looking for a more hands-on NED role with a private company on a strong growth path to complement my other roles on the Board of public-listed REITs. When La Fosse Executive contacted me, I immediately knew this was the right opportunity for me – utilising my in-depth knowledge of the healthcare and residential build-to-rent sectors, and my investment and capital markets expertise. La Fosse Executive ran a highly professional process during the selection, but also coordinated with their client for the contract and checked in with me during onboarding. Within weeks, I was actively supporting Lifestory’s management, executing their strategy.”  Laure Duhot, Non-Executive Director at Lifestory 

Simon is a senior living expert, with core expertise in health and social care. He has an extensive track record working with health and social care organisations, the NHS, charities, and the independent sector. Other current NED Board seats include Wren Retirement Living, Valorum Care Group, and Care Home Group. Simon has worked with various private equity houses such as August Equity, L&G Ventures, and Sovereign Capital. 

“My experience as a NED candidate with La Fosse Executive has been excellent. With little intention to take on a new NED role at the current time, La Fosse reached out with a unique opportunity with Lifestory and they supported the Board in understanding what was truly needed for this next phase of growth in terms of leadership and relevant complementary experience. They guided me through the process with many different stakeholders. Tom Granger and Jemima Cooper worked with both the customer and the candidate to reach a great outcome for both.”  Simon Harrison, Non-Executive Director at Lifestory 

“The process of selecting two new non-executive directors to enhance the Lifestory Board was delivered very efficiently by Tom and his team. Following an initial screening process of online interviews, we quickly established some standout candidates for in-person interviews and subsequent appointment.” Steve Bangs, Chief Executive Officer at Lifestory

“Laure and Simon bring over 60 years of combined experience in senior living and the broader build-to-rent sector, with complementary skill sets covering the physical real assets angle, as well as investment and capital markets. Their dual expertise will undoubtedly impact all parts of the business; we look forward to following their journey with Lifestory and the team at Oaktree Capital.” Tom Granger, Head of CEO and NED Practice at La Fosse Executive 

La Fosse Executive is thrilled to have played a part in the successful appointment of both candidates and looks forward to partnering with Lifestory and Oaktree Capital again in the future.