NICHOLAS HERPS
Gold Coast
Summary
Dynamic C-Suite executive and board-level advisor with over 20 years of experience in international commercial and residential real estate development, property investment management, and funds management. Proven expertise in private equity, capital raising, and investment structuring, complemented by a strong focus on business development and commercial acumen. A track record of maximizing investment returns while managing teams of up to 140 members and overseeing multinational real estate portfolios valued at up to $1 billion. Committed to driving strategic initiatives that enhance organizational growth and profitability across public, private, and quasi-government sectors.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Self Employed
01.2014 - Current
- Active investor in real property, fintech and agtech sectors.
- Corporate Advisor
Special Advisor – Real Estate & Investment Management
SBK Holding
01.2006 - 01.2013
- Accountable for commercial and financial restructuring and day-to-day management of a US$1+ BN investment portfolio. Project Control Group Member, overseeing property and investment activities on 4 continents. Reported directly to Chief Executive Officer
- Oversaw the development of 2 major hotels comprising a total of 433 guest rooms / suites and more than 700 villas.
- Achieved returns of 15% p.a. on investment portfolio.
- Established the first private equity fund in the Middle East, raising USD$50 million from international investors and achieved an internal rate of return (IRR) of in excess of 25%.
- Managed real estate loan portfolio worth in excess of $150 million and achieved returns in excess of 15% p.a.
- Primary commercial vehicle of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the eldest son of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Director
Pacific Equity | Project Equity | Marsim QLD
01.1998 - 01.2005
- Accountable for financial performance and reporting, opportunity identification, acquisitions, negotiation of loan facilities, the formulation of development concepts feasibility analysis, construction and maintenance, local state and federal approvals, and stakeholder and community agreements.
- Developed 243 house and land packages.
- Achieved an internal rate of return (IRR) of 30% on completed projects.
- Secured a complex Material Change of Use Approval for a 10.8 hectare waterfront site, negotiated its sale and achieved a premium exceeding 50% over all costs incurred within 3 years.
- Joint venture residential and commercial developments in South-East Queensland.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Finance & Law
Bond University
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) - Accounting
Bond University
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting And Finance
Bond University
Gold Coast, QLD12-1990
Skills
- Property Investment Management
- Due Diligence
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Negotiation
- Strategic Thinking
- Funds Management
- Leadership
- Risk Assessment
- Capital & Debt Raising
- Market Analysis
- Development Management
Accomplishments
- Secured AU$10M equity investment in Australian startup from international contacts.
- Managed the development of several significant projects in the United Arab Emirates including Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort and Fairmont Ajman.
- Director of one of the first private equity funds to be established in the Middle East, raising USD$150 million from local & international investors and achieved an Internal Rate of Return exceeding 25% p.a.
- Secured a complex Material Change of Use Approval for a 10.8-hectare waterfront site at Paradise Point in Queensland and subsequently negotiated its sale to an international group, achieving a premium exceeding 50% over all costs incurred including land acquisition.
- Developed 243 townhouses on the Gold Coast of Australia in 5 years and achieved an Internal Rate of Return exceeding 22% p.a.
- First Executive to be awarded options over Company Shares as part of the Employee Incentive Scheme at Villa World Limited
Timeline
Director
Self Employed
01.2014 - Current
Special Advisor – Real Estate & Investment Management
SBK Holding
01.2006 - 01.2013
Director
Pacific Equity | Project Equity | Marsim QLD
01.1998 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) - Accounting
Bond University
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Finance & Law
Bond University
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting And Finance
Bond University
EARLY CAREER
Promoted through roles of increasing accountability to Chief Operating Officer at Villa World Limited – the pioneer of large-scale, mixed-use communities and their management rights, and the most successful company on the Australian Stock Exchange (as measured by share price growth and dividend return) in the decade 1987 – 1996. Oversaw the development of over 7,000 properties, and was the first Executive awarded options over Company Shares as part of the Employee Incentive Scheme.