Christopher Exler returns to our Hotels & Hospitality team in London.

Welcome back Christopher! How has your first 2 months been back in the UK?

It’s been great settling back into the city and market I spent 11 years in – eerily familiar on the one side but some things have certainly changed since 2020, but that’s not a surprise. Very happy to be back in London.

How will your role in Europe differ to your role in the US if at all?

Fundamentally, it will be the same, finding ways to support clients on their long-term hospitality investment strategies and ensuring we’ve got the best team in the space. I would say, the US is a highly developed market whereas I continue to see Europe as growth market for capital and hotel product which is what excites me. I’m looking forward to supporting where I can with London as it was before being where I concentrate most of my energies.

How do the European and US markets compare?

The two things that stand out I’d say are one, the US generally takes an entrepreneurial lean towards business origination, the private market is huge, but also the use and availability of credit is much more prevalent – industry stakeholders therefore can vary dramatically.

Perception of risk is much more relative. Conversely, in Europe you’re often spending more time with institutions and investment professionals, so the approach differs and is generally more iterative. I believe our regional businesses can learn a lot from each other, let alone benefit from greater collaboration – it already separates us from the competition.

What are your key priorities for the remainder of the year?

This is a relationship business, so I’ve been very busy seeing old friends and clients but am also spending time lots of time with shakers and movers and that’s internally as much as it externally.

What’s your outlook for 2025?

Outlooks are tough, since the pandemic I don’t think anyone has genuinely been substantially accurate in predicting what’s around the corner. I do think simple inertia will create more opportunities and volume; all we can do is spend quality time with clients.

?And finally, what was the thing you missed the most about life in Europe?

Being able to walk everywhere – you get lonely in your car!