Key Takeaways
- • Real Asset Management Group strengthens its Brisbane operations with two senior hires: Ben Bochow as financial controller and Doug Rapson as real estate asset manager, marking strategic expansion of its institutional-grade real estate portfolio.
- • Ben Bochow brings 11+ years of private equity real estate finance experience from Curzon Advisers in London, where he managed accounting and operations for multiple real estate portfolios.
- • Doug Rapson joins from JLL with a track record of transacting $1.75 billion in retail real estate deals and prior consulting experience at Urbis, positioning RAM to expand beyond its core retail focus.
- • RAM's Australia Retail Property Fund has acquired 11 high-yield shopping centres in under two years and is nearing capacity, prompting the firm to pursue diversified real estate opportunities including residential developments, CBD office, healthcare assets, and smaller commercial properties.
- • The expansion is anchored by RAM's relocation to Emirates House on Eagle Street in Brisbane's CBD, with CEO Scott Kelly signaling additional hires to support the growing institutional client base.
Summary
Real Asset Management Group has bolstered its Brisbane real estate division with two strategic senior appointments as the firm scales its institutional-grade property investment operations. Ben Bochow has joined as financial controller, bringing more than 11 years of specialized experience in private equity real estate finance. Previously, Bochow served as assistant vice president of finance at Curzon Advisers in London, where he oversaw accounting and operations functions across multiple real estate portfolios. His appointment underscores RAM's emphasis on strengthening back-office infrastructure to support portfolio expansion.
Simultaneously, Doug Rapson has assumed the role of real estate asset manager, transitioning from JLL where he held a senior position in capital markets focused on retail investments. Rapson's tenure at JLL demonstrates substantial deal experience, with a transaction record exceeding $1.75 billion in retail real estate. Prior to JLL, he worked as a consultant at Urbis, a major property advisory firm, providing additional commercial real estate expertise.
The dual appointments coincide with RAM's physical relocation to Emirates House on Eagle Street within Brisbane's CBD "golden triangle," strengthening the firm's institutional presence. Will Gray, RAM's head of real estate, has indicated that additional hires are planned to match the scale and scope of the group's institutional portfolio. CEO Scott Kelly emphasized that both candidates represent "excellent additions," particularly as the real estate division represents a key business unit within the broader RAM regional wealth and asset management platform.
The expansion reflects accelerating capital deployment requirements. RAM's Australia Retail Property Fund has acquired 11 high-yield shopping centres in less than two years and is approaching capacity constraints. As a result, the firm is evaluating opportunities across diversified real estate sectors on behalf of its institutional client base, including residential developments, CBD office buildings, healthcare assets, and smaller commercial properties where management believes it can generate additional value. This strategic pivot signals RAM's intent to establish a more balanced real estate investment platform beyond its core retail retail focus.
Simultaneously, Doug Rapson has assumed the role of real estate asset manager, transitioning from JLL where he held a senior position in capital markets focused on retail investments. Rapson's tenure at JLL demonstrates substantial deal experience, with a transaction record exceeding $1.75 billion in retail real estate. Prior to JLL, he worked as a consultant at Urbis, a major property advisory firm, providing additional commercial real estate expertise.
The dual appointments coincide with RAM's physical relocation to Emirates House on Eagle Street within Brisbane's CBD "golden triangle," strengthening the firm's institutional presence. Will Gray, RAM's head of real estate, has indicated that additional hires are planned to match the scale and scope of the group's institutional portfolio. CEO Scott Kelly emphasized that both candidates represent "excellent additions," particularly as the real estate division represents a key business unit within the broader RAM regional wealth and asset management platform.
The expansion reflects accelerating capital deployment requirements. RAM's Australia Retail Property Fund has acquired 11 high-yield shopping centres in less than two years and is approaching capacity constraints. As a result, the firm is evaluating opportunities across diversified real estate sectors on behalf of its institutional client base, including residential developments, CBD office buildings, healthcare assets, and smaller commercial properties where management believes it can generate additional value. This strategic pivot signals RAM's intent to establish a more balanced real estate investment platform beyond its core retail retail focus.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.