Meet Rob.
Co-CEO

Contact Rob

Rob’s energy, insight, and passion for empowering people and teams make him a driving force behind Elevates mission to do things differently - and do them brilliantly. His effortless ability to turn big ideas into real growth and results has seen him shape some of the UK’s most exciting retail real estate projects.

  • Experience

    RivingtonHark     Focused on maximising income generation for the Redical Portfolio, the first UK ESG Shopping Centre Fund. Developing strategic leasing angles and asset strategies for this diverse retail-focused portfolio.

    Capital & Regional Commercial Director. Key achievements:

    • 100% growth in transactions (2021 vs. 2019)
    • Restructured teams with tech implementation
    • Innovative relationships with NHS and Dark Kitchen operators

    Debenhams Group Property Director. Key achievements:

    • Multi-Channel Store Estate model
    • Oxford Street flagship redevelopment and 30+ store modernisations (15% IRR)
    • Head office consolidation saving £9M annually
    • Implemented 70+ third-party offers (F&B operators, gyms, serviced offices).

Meet Gemma.
Co-CEO

Contact Gemma

Gemma is a partnerships expert who thrives on driving real transformation and growth. Always tuned into the bigger picture and with a sharp focus on multi-channel growth, she has worked with some of the biggest names in retail. Gemma has a proven track record of scaling trusted partnerships and creating long-term sustainable success for clients. 

  • Experience

    Founder of Applegarth Retail     Advisory consultancy with clients Crosstown Dough Ltd and Comptoir Group.

    Claire’s VP of Concessions in Europe. Transitioned a brick & mortar retailer into a partnerships brand and developed European growth pipeline. Grew concession sales by 150% in two years and built partnerships with brands including Asda, Matalan, and Toys Centre.

    Claire’s VP of Business Development and Real Estate. As European Property Director led a team to manage 1,000 stores across Europe. Also responsible forInternational Franchise Operations.

    Tesco Head of Leasing. Focused on delivering target property investment income and enhanced customer experience via third party leasing. Driving new third-party relationships and trials with retailers such as Claire’s, Arcadia, Peacocks, Mothercare, and Sports Direct.

    Land Securities Leasing Director, driving leasing strategy and CRM for fashion retailers across the portfolio.

    H&M Led the property team for the UK & ROI – increasing the UK store count from 90 to 200 and winning the best expansion team award !

Meet Stephen.
Partner

Contact Stephen

Stephen is a highly experienced retail property and portfolio strategy leader, recognised for transforming complex, multi-site estates for some of the UK’s most established consumer brands. He brings a unique ability to bridge shop-floor operations with boardroom strategy, ensuring that real estate decisions are commercially grounded, operationally effective and aligned to long-term business goals.

  • Experience

    Boots UK & ROI – Director of Estates
    Led strategy and transformation across a 2,000+ store portfolio, driving optimisation, targeted reinvestment and future-format development.

    Arcadia Group – Group Property Director
    Set UK and global real estate strategy across multiple brands, delivering portfolio restructuring, flagship investments, and large-scale business change.

    Sainsbury’s – Head of Property (Convenience)
    Drove significant convenience expansion with robust processes and formats to support sustained growth.

    wagamama – Property Director
    Led UK and US expansion while overseeing reinvestment and portfolio management across an established estate.

    Phones 4u – Property Director
    Delivered rapid national expansion, managing a 600-site estate and major capital projects.

    Consulting Roles
    Advised on investment strategy, asset disposals, and mixed-use developments for leading retail and property clients.

Meet Katie.
Head of Comms

Contact Katie

Katie brings a rare blend of creativity, commercial sharpness and lived experience across 25 years in founder-led retail, luxury, hospitality and executive search. She has an instinctive ability to turn ideas into impact - shaping narratives, strengthening our voice, supporting Elevate through strategic content, championing the values and vision of our Founders.

Meet Jon.
Board Advisor

Jon brings a sharp analytical mind, calm precision, and over 15 years of experience working alongside entrepreneur Richard Harpin. A qualified Chartered Accountant with a career spanning family office leadership, global finance, and large-scale business transformation, Jon keeps Elevate focused on smart growth, sound decision-making, and creating real long-term value.

Meet Rob.
Board Advisor

Rob is one of the most respected figures in the UK retail property industry and brings deep sector expertise and decades of experience across the retail real estate space to our board table. He has built, led, and scaled businesses, and his operational experience, along with a strategic, market-wide perspective, is incredibly valuable to every conversation.

  • “Bringing creativity and connecting people allows me to really leverage the pivotal role of retail real estate for any business.”

    —Rob Hadfield

  • “For me, there’s no more exciting and rewarding challenge than doing everything it takes to help a business grow.”

    —Gemma Pratt

  • “It’s an absolute pleasure to be working with both Rob and Gemma, communicating their exceptional experience in Real Estate and supporting their growth.”

    —Katie Haxton

  • “Working with the Elevate Team is inspirational. Rob & Gemma know the retail sector inside-out and so many retail businesses could and should benefit from leveraging their guidance and counsel.”

    —Jon Clarke

  • “Both Rob & Gemma’s enthusiasm and expertise for their work is infectious. It has been a privilege to be involved in their business helping them move forward to greater things.”

    - Rob Wingrave

Let’s get growing.

Get in touch and find out how we can help you grow.

Connect with us