Newmark poaches leisure expert from Avison Young

Richard Baldwin has joined the commercial real estate firm as partner and will be based in Leeds.

Bringing more than 25 years’ experience across mainstream and specialist leisure sectors, Baldwin started his career at Humberts Leisure, working there for 12 years before it was acquired by GVA Property Consultancy.

He continued his career at GVA for another eight years rising to director of retail, hotels, and leisure, before spending a year as an advisor for Rural Solutions.

He returned to the fold in 2021, spending five years as director in the leisure team at Avison Young, which had acquired GVA.

During his career, he has worked in valuation, consultancy, and lease advisory, on projects such as the acquisition of the West Midlands Safari Park on behalf of Looping Group, the sale of Greenwood Theme Park, the valuation of Yorkshire Safari Park, the valuation of Drayton Manor Theme Park, and the valuation of the West Midlands Safari Park, to name a few.

Going forward, he will work in the UK leisure team, based in Leeds but operating across the country.

Dan Anning, co-head of the UK leisure team at Newmark, said: “Richard’s appointment marks a significant step in the growth of our leisure offering.

“His reputation, sector knowledge, and track record in handling complex leisure assets make him a significant addition to the team.”