Q&A: Five minutes with Alastair Mullens, managing director – residential at Canary Wharf Group

How did you join the property industry?

I fell into the industry rather than following a predetermined career path. I started in residential property management with Hamptons. After gaining solid experience in the UK market, I had an incredible opportunity to move to the Far East. This experience was transformative; it broadened my perspective on property markets, gave me exposure to different development approaches and taught me how cultural nuances influence residential preferences and community building.

I moved back to the UK in 2015 with a much richer understanding of global property dynamics, and then joined Canary Wharf Group (CWG) in 2018, bringing with me both local expertise and international insights that have proven invaluable in my current role.

What does your job entail?

I now oversee all residential activities at Canary Wharf, with a large focus on our build-to-rent (BTR) platform Vertus, which I set up and established in 2019. My role involves everything from strategic planning and development oversight to operational management, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of living while continuing to grow our residential footprint in a way that enhances the broader Canary Wharf ecosystem.

What do you like most about the industry?

The people and the remarkable openness and collaboration across the industry. Whether dealing with architects, contractors, local authorities or residents themselves, there is generally a willingness to share knowledge and work together towards common goals.

And what do you dislike most about it?

Changes in regulations – although almost always introduced with the very best of intentions to improve standards or protect consumers – can create unexpected operational challenges and unintended consequences.

Who in property has inspired you?

I never had the opportunity to work directly for Berkeley Group, but [its founder] Tony Pidgley was an inspirational industry figure whose approach to business has influenced my own management style significantly. His hands-on leadership approach and commitment to understanding every aspect of the business is an ethic I try to aspire to.

If you had not gone into property, what would you like to be doing instead?

I’d love to be a professional sportsman, particularly in adventure sports such as sailing or skiing. Not that long ago, I took an extended break to fulfil a lifelong dream and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean with my brothers and my father, from Cape Town to Salvador with a brief stop in St Helena. It was an absolutely incredible experience – four weeks at sea, completely disconnected from the usual pressures of work, relying on teamwork, navigation skills and respect for the ocean’s power. It’s something I’ll remember for a lifetime.

What do you value in people?

Hard work and integrity above all else. Hard work isn’t just about putting in long hours; it is about being thorough, paying attention to detail and maintaining high standards even when nobody’s watching. Integrity means being honest about challenges, transparent in your communications and always doing what you say you’ll do.

What advice would you give someone starting a career in the industry?

Always be inquisitive and actively try to be involved in as wide a variety of projects and challenges as possible. Grow your knowledge base by constantly asking questions. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something – curiosity and a willingness to learn are far more valuable than pretending to have all the answers. Be hands-on whenever possible rather than just observing from the sidelines.