Introducing Kate Donneky, MD of Rhodium, Super Prime Property Advisory and Management
meet KATE DONNEKY, MD OF RHODIUM, SUPER PRIME PROPERTY ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT. Kate plays a key role in influencing investment decisions, is central to core decision making for assets and is involved in all development projects. Being a Chartered Surveyor Kate’s experience spans both UK residential and commercial sectors. based in Mayfair, rhodium has amassed a significant management portfolio of over £12 billion across forty-one leading developments in prime central London alone, with a formidable track record working with the capital’s most respected developers.
“I am co-founder and Managing Director of Rhodium. We are a property advisory and management firm specialising in super prime properties in London, Athens and Dubai, working with some of the biggest names in the world of architecture, design and development. I lead a 200 strong team from our Mayfair head office and across our £12 billion portfolio, provide a full 360 service to developer clients from pre-planning advisory right through to management of completed developments.
I live in West London with my husband and two-year-old daughter, Grace. ”
CIT - Regents Crescent
How did you get involved in this space, what's your background?
After graduating from The University of Exeter, I completed an MSc in Real Estate at Oxford Brookes, and then qualified as a Chartered Surveyor at Nelson Bakewell, working in their national investment and portfolio management teams. Using this experience and realising there was a gap in the market for bespoke property management services, I co-founded Rhodium with my business partner, Dean Main, in 2011. Our vision was to redefine property management for the super prime sector and since then, our journey has seen us build a client base which today includes the majority of London’s most prestigious residential addresses.
Who are your typical clients?
Our current clients include the leading developers of super-prime branded and non-branded residences including Almacantar, Fenton Whelan, CIT, Caudwell, Northacre, Ronson Capital Partners and Finchatton. At an early stage, we work with developers, their architects and design teams as a project takes shape, advising on the operations, amenities, and service offering as well creating service charge drafts and reviewing all legal documents, including a lease review. Our mobilisation teams then ensure the building is ready for occupation, and we then manage and service the completed development on behalf of its new residents.
Residents are typically discerning high-net-worth individuals, families and investors for whom we provide peace of mind ensuring every aspect of their home is cared for both when they’re in occupation and equally when travelling.
Can you share the spectrum of services that you provide for your clients?
Each scheme has a dedicated senior lead overseeing the property operations including maintenance, concierge services, security and financial management. We also provide a comprehensive annual maintenance service for residents’ apartments keeping equipment under warranty and avoiding breakdowns. And finally, our rental management team provide advice and management for participating properties and for homeowners electing to generate rental income from their residences where our team manage the individual tenancies and fulfil all the landlord obligations.
Marina Riviera Tower
What sets Rhodium apart from the competition?
It’s our deep understanding of the nuances of the super prime market. With over a decade of experience managing the top schemes in the capital, we have unique insight into the expectations of the UHNW buyer, which allows us to work with developers in this space, providing specialist and current advice which ultimately helps them achieve financial objectives, increase operating efficiency and optimise the residential owner experience. I don’t know any other company that provides this scope of service.
You work with some of the leading developers in the world, can you share any notable projects that you have completed to date?
We’re currently working with Foster + Partners on the Marina Riviera Tower which forms the centrepiece of the Ellinikon development, Europe’s largest urban regeneration project on the site of the former Hellinikon Airport in Athens.
We have been fully immersed with the client and consultant team since concept design, advising on layout design and operational strategies. Our multi-disciplinary consultancy team has added significant value to the design process with sharp focus on delivery and management of the building, to curate an exemplary resident experience upon occupation.
Where do you see the future of super prime property management in London heading?
In the short term, focus and scrutiny on service and seamless operations. Expectations have never been higher and competition is significant. In the longer term, the future will certainly have a focus on sustainability. Sadly, sustainability is still viewed as a luxury somewhat, hence I think the super prime market will need to lead the rest of the market.
Northacre’s The Broadway
WEALTH
Describe your relationship with money and personal finance in three words?
Pragmatic, strategic, empowering.
What does Wealth mean to you?
Wealth is having freedom to live life as you choose.
What money lessons did you learn when growing up?
My father was an actuary so being financially wise was central to my upbringing. It has served me well, I have always focused on the smartest ways to save and invest.
Do you collect art or antiques? If so, what, and can you share a little about your collection?
Yes, in fact my home is full of both. I started buying pieces at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition when I was younger. I love the variety for sale each year and the fact that anyone can enter it. I am particularly fond of a large Norman Ackroyd etching purchased from the Summer Exhibition over a decade ago! I buy pieces that I love, rather than purely for investment, however I have got lucky on a few occasions. My husband loves antiques - he’s got me into auctions and scouring for beautiful pieces. At home I have a mix of beautiful mid-century chairs, regency desks and antique mirrors.
Who manages the finances in your household? What tools/resources are used?
I was brought up to believe that I should be financially self-sufficient, but my husband and I share the management of finances between us, and it works well.
How confident are you with investing? What’s your experience been to date?
I am my father’s daughter and most of my investment decisions so far have been fairly risk adverse! My husband has encouraged me to consider more alternative investment opportunities, which I would never have considered myself.
What is the best money decision you have made?
I’ve had the opportunity to buy personal properties in London, develop them and add value.
What is your number one financial priority?
Ensuring the long-term growth and expansion of Rhodium.
Which area of finance do you wish you knew more about, and why?
I would love to learn more about ESG and sustainable investing. There are so many decarbonising technologies which need significant financing to scale, yet the opportunity to make returns and do the right thing at the same time is compelling. I think this area is also fascinating for the future of real estate and more importantly, my sister is a specialist in this area, so I need to hold my own conversations with her!
Northacre’s The Broadway
WELLNESS
Where do you go to switch off?
My weekly yin yoga class resets me, I love it. Equally I find reading helps me disconnect from the hectic world of 2024. I always have a book on the go, read each night and recently have been enjoying more non-fiction.
Whats a ‘secret’ to your success in business?
Always thinking long term. Never react instantaneously, take the pragmatic, longer term view. It will pay dividends.
Do you have a mentor or inspirational figure that has guided or influenced you?
My parents without a doubt. Two of the smartest people but two of the hardest working people, as a result, both incredibly successful in what they have achieved. Completely inspiring for me, and set the standards for what I wanted to achieve in my own life.
Can you share a book that has influenced your life?
A single book is almost impossible to choose but reading has certainly influenced my childhood, and adult life. A Little Life remains in the top five books I’ve ever read. Brutal subject but beautifully written. I find biographies fascinating, I’m currently reading one on Roger Federer which is intriguing and I am halfway through Rory Stewart’s political memoire too.
What resources or tools could you not live without?
My support network. An incredibly supportive husband, inspirational parents (the best grandparents) and a dedicated business partner.
What are you currently reading and listening to?
I listen to ‘The Rest is Politics’ podcast each week without fail. It launched the same week I had Grace back in 2022 and I have listened to it religiously ever since. The depth of knowledge between Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell is incredible, debating (usually from different perspectives) world affairs, it is not only informative but thought provoking.