About Anglo Indian
SPOTLIGHT ON SIMON REID
CAREER OVERVIEW
Simon Reid has developed a career in real estate investment, development, financing and asset management in the UK and across a number of international markets, particularly India. Simon’s role has been to develop investment strategies from concept through to execution, covering all aspects of strategy development, structuring tax efficient investment vehicles, transaction origination, due diligence, structuring and execution; and finally, operational management and exits.
The initial stage of Simon’s career focused upon commercial real estate investment, financing and asset management in the UK and Europe, including a two year posting in Paris with Weatherall, Green & Smith. Following this he returned to the City of London to join Baring, Houston & Saunders (part of ING Barings), gaining experience in real estate investment banking and fund management. It was here that Simon gained first hand experience of India through his role in managing real estate assets and liabilities for ING Barings in south and south-east Asia. Simon then diversified his career into the real estate capital markets via senior positions at Fitch Investors Service and GE Capital in London. Simon left the corporate world in 2000 to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions in venture capital and real estate private equity, ultimately founding Anglo Indian in January 2005, since when Simon has focused 100% on the Indian real estate market.
EXPERIENCE IN INDIA
Simon’s experience in Indian real estate dates back to 1996 when he worked at ING Barings and was responsible for managing the firm’s real estate interests in India and south-east Asia.
In preparation for Foreign Direct Investment into real estate, Simon turned his attention back to India in late 2004/early 2005. He established Anglo Indian and started focusing on Joint Venture opportunities within the Indian property market.
Anglo Indian’s strategy is to invest in or create Joint Ventures within FDI approved companies, partnering with the best Indian real estate specialists in their local market. The first transaction concluded in 2005, was a land aggregation strategy to create a 100 acre Integrated Township in the City of Pune.
One of Anglo Indian’s major projects is a 550 acre mixed use development also in Pune, which Simon initiated as a start-up in 2006. The site is now being master-planned for residential, leisure and educational development with a strong environmental and sustainability focus. The project will be anchored by exclusive sports and education brands from the UK – a key part of Anglo Indian’s long term strategy.
Simon originated the Pune deal, underwrote the transaction and managed the entire corporate structuring of both the Mauritian and Indian corporate entities. He developed the core team within India, and established the operational Management Information Systems and procedures for the financial and operational management of the company. Simon sourced, negotiated and completed an institutional private equity fundraising of in excess of $20 million to provide the core capital to complete the land acquisition, concept master-plan, development and infrastructure planning.
Simon prides himself on his ‘hands on’ approach, and has personally led the search and appointment of all the external advisers including real estate consultants, legal advisers, master-planning consultants, architects, and engineers.
Simon now splits his time between India and his home near Oxford, England.
INSIGHTS
Can you describe yourself in just three words?
Entrepreneurial. Driven. Passionate.
Do you have any personal or professional mottos?
Having studied the martial art of Taekwondo, the 5 core tenets of Taekwondo have always stayed with me: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control, & Indomitable Spirit.
Who do you most admire?
In business: Richard Branson, Vijay Mallya, Sunil Mittal, Warren Buffett, Abdul Kalam. Plus a host of sports people – particularly cricketers: Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Rahul Dravid from the Indian team in particular!
What’s the best business book you have read?
The Second Bounce of the Ball – Ronald Cohen. And Screw it, Let’s do it – Richard Branson.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the Indian market?
Do your homework. Pick the right partners. And be patient.
If you were a brand, what would it be?
Anglo Indian!….but if I was seeking inspiration from a global brand it would be Virgin, which for me epitomises the spirit of entrepreneurialism, a ‘can do’ attitude, challenges conventional markets and perceived wisdom in certain industries, and, above all, constantly seeks to deliver first class, well priced products and services to the customer.
What most frustrates you?
Indecision, arrogance and inflexibility.
How do you like to relax and unwind?
Sport (cricket, of course!), family time, travel, reading and food (both cooking and eating).
Interesting fact?
My first job was as a Messenger Boy at the Ritz Hotel in London.