eUROPE 2025 SPEAKER

David Smith-Milne, CEO & Company Owner, Place Capital Group

David Smith-Milne, CEO & Company Owner, Place Capital Group

Bio:

David is a nationally recognised expert in housing-led regeneration with over 20 years of experience as an award-winning residential developer, CEO and advisor. As the founder and CEO of Placefirst, he built the company into a multi-award-winning development business, transforming over 1,500 derelict homes into vibrant, affordable rental communities. Under his leadership, Placefirst became a market leader in creating sustainable, design-led housing solutions, before its successful sale to a private equity fund in 2020. Following this, David established Place Capital Group, applying his expertise to support local governments and housing associations in delivering transformative regeneration projects in underserved and failing housing markets. As CEO of Place Capital Group, David leads the business with a clear focus on growth, innovation, and impact. He oversees strategic direction, team leadership, and operational development, ensuring the company continues to deliver projects that combine design innovation with financial viability. With deep financial and market acumen, David blends strategic vision with hands-on expertise to deliver viable, aspirational developments that set new benchmarks in placemaking and sustainability.
David is a nationally recognised expert in housing-led regeneration with over 20 years of experience as an award-winning residential developer, CEO and advisor. As the founder and CEO of Placefirst, he built the company into a multi-award-winning development business, transforming over 1,500 derelict homes into vibrant, affordable rental communities. Under his leadership, Placefirst became a market leader in creating sustainable, design-led housing solutions, before its successful sale to a private equity fund in 2020. Following this, David established Place Capital Group, applying his expertise to support local governments and housing associations in delivering transformative regeneration projects in underserved and failing housing markets. As CEO of Place Capital Group, David leads the business with a clear focus on growth, innovation, and impact. He oversees strategic direction, team leadership, and operational development, ensuring the company continues to deliver projects that combine design innovation with financial viability. With deep financial and market acumen, David blends strategic vision with hands-on expertise to deliver viable, aspirational developments that set new benchmarks in placemaking and sustainability.

Bio:

Place Capital Group’s Website and LinkedIn:
Place Capital is a housing-led Strategic Development Partner and Development Manager, with a development pipeline of £800m. They work with asset-owning Local Authorities and Housing Associations to transform run-down, underperforming estates into modern, tenure-balanced neighbourhoods.
About Place Capital Group:

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