Germany / UK: limehome, a tech-based operator of fully digitalised short-term rentals, has hired Will Kingston as the company’s director of expansion for the UK.
Kingston’s appointment marks a significant step in limehome’s growth trajectory as it aims to extend its model from 11 European markets into the UK.
In his new role, Kingston will oversee the market entry and the growth of the company’s UK portfolio, focusing on the region’s main business and leisure travel destinations. Specifically, limehome is targeting a first wave of expansion in the UK’s top 30 cities with short-term rental and hotel assets, while the company is seeking opportunities that range from 20 to 200 keys for operational properties, new developments and conversion opportunities.
Kingston will bring extensive real estate expertise to limehome, having previously served as associate director of real estate at Sonder and as a negotiator at Marsh & Parsons.
Dr Josef Vollmayr, co-founder and co-CEO, said: “We are excited to welcome Will Kingston to the limehome team. Will’s expertise will be instrumental in building strategic partnerships and driving our growth in the United Kingdom.
“His extensive industry experience, vast network and proven track record in the region make him a key asset as we continue our journey to rapidly grow our presence all over Europe in the coming years,” he added.
Kingston said: “I am thrilled to have joined limehome, a company that continues to demonstrate steady and consistent growth despite a challenging macro-environment. The limehome model thrives in diverse markets, as demonstrated by their huge coverage across Germany and Spain in “A” to “D” cities, in both high & lower RevPAR areas.
“For property owners and developers, limehome offers a low-risk solution, operating at a 30 per cent gross margin across its live portfolio, and offering flexible leasing models. The UK presents a significant opportunity to build on the success they have enjoyed on the continent, and I look forward to driving our expansion across the UK in 2024 and beyond,” he added.
limehome currently manages more than 8,000 suites under contract at around 250 locations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Italy, Greece, and Czechia.
