About us
Providing data-driven advisory services for branded residential developments, delivered by a team of renowned industry leaders.
GBR offers a data-driven approach to the conceptualisation and structuring of branded residential projects across the globe.
Download Our Company OverviewGBR advises investors, developers, brands, and funds on branded residential strategy, from concept to exit. We provide data-led guidance on brand selection, development mix, pricing, and positioning to ensure projects are commercially viable and aligned with market demand. Our approach balances investment goals with brand integrity and operator requirements.
Our Team
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A Global leader in branded residential advisory, Riyan is a multi-award-winning consultant and has advised on over 150 branded residences projects worldwide.
Riyan Itani MPhil (Cantab), ISHC
Founder and Director
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For the past 20 years, Riyan Itani has specialised in providing branded and luxury residential development consultancy in the global urban and resort sectors.
His experience covers strategic development advice, feasibility studies, brand selection and contract negotiation, brand premium studies, and brand advisory services.
He is recognised as a global expert in the sector and holds strong relationships with the market’s leading brands and operators. Riyan is a regular keynote speaker, panel member and host at a variety of global conferences and events.
Riyan Itani MPhil (Cantab), ISHC
Founder and Director
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Caitlin Ure
Director - Brands and Operators
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Caitlin is a dynamic business and marketing strategist with over 20 years of international experience in the property sector, specialising in residential and mixed-use development.
In her role as Director – Brands & Operators, Caitlin brings together developers, brands and operators to collaborate on leading branded residential opportunities around the world.
Her expertise in project branding and marketing enables her to both envision and structure high-value commercial brand partnerships that transform exceptional properties into legendary addresses.
Caitlin Ure
Director - Brands and Operators
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Aldo Flakstad
Director - Head of Consultancy
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Aldo Flakstad joined GBR from his role as Head of Residential Development at Knight Frank Italy, where he was focused on strategic development consultancy for branded and non-branded residential projects
His long history in the international real estate industry has ranged from multi-faceted development to boutique branded residences projects. Bringing decades of experience to the table, Aldo is known for developing tailored strategies that align with business goals, leveraging a deep understanding of industry trends and market dynamics.
A people-focused leader, Aldo is adept at building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and empowering the GBR team to deliver best-in-class consultancy.
Aldo Flakstad
Director - Head of Consultancy
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Katherine Christie MRICS
Senior Development Consultant
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Katherine is a Chartered Surveyor, having qualified with Colliers in 2020. Following five years of providing property and asset management advice to high-net-worth clients, she joined GBR in 2023.
In her role as Development Consultant, Katherine oversees Strategic Consultancy reports and Brand Premium Studies, collaborating closely with clients across a range of locations including Europe, the Caribbean, and Dubai.
Katherine Christie MRICS
Senior Development Consultant
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Nina Berber
Development Consultant and Data Manager
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Nina holds a Master’s in Finance from ESADE Business & Law School, approaching projects with a perspective of quantitative precision. With prior experience in the finance industry, she thrives on creating value, with challenge being her main driver.
Her qualitative, people-oriented side is something she has found to be closely tied to the branded residences and real estate industry on a global level. As a Development Consultant at GBR, Nina manages Strategic Consultancy reports and Brand Premium Studies across various locations, working closely with clients in Malta, Mauritius, Spain, and Dubai.
Nina Berber
Development Consultant and Data Manager
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Melissa Campos Verdi
Development Consultant
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Melissa is an Architect with a Master’s in Real Estate Finance from the University of Cambridge and has five years of prior experience in residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments across LATAM and Europe. Before joining Global Branded Residences in 2024, she worked at Grupo Lar and V&V Real Estate Group, focusing on portfolio expansions and high-scale developments. She gained hands-on experience across all stages of development, from concept design to execution and asset management.
In her consultancy role at GBR, Melissa combines architectural expertise with financial insight to optimise returns while prioritising design and efficient space use in branded residential projects. She collaborates closely with clients across EMEA and the Americas.
Melissa Campos Verdi
Development Consultant
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Guillermo Masella Pol
Development Consultant
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Guillermo is a finance professional with a Master’s in Finance from ESADE Business & Law School. He has gained valuable experience in startup environments, focusing on financial analysis and innovative solutions.
Before joining Global Branded Residences, Guillermo worked at Abacum, a financial planning startup, where he enhanced client financial models and collaborated on product development. At GBR, he combines his analytical expertise with a creative approach to optimise value in branded residential projects.
Guillermo Masella Pol
Development Consultant
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Anna Carver MRICS
Business Development and Brand Selection & Negotiation Manager
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Anna Carver joined GBR from her role in Residential Development at JLL London, where she spent five years specialising in development consultancy, and sales and marketing for new homes projects across London.
Her experience spans the full lifecycle of residential developments; from advising developers on strategy, positioning and pricing, to working alongside a range of consultants to achieve best in class marketing materials and unique interior design solutions, in order to deliver successful international and domestic sales and marketing campaigns.
As GBR’s Business Development and Brand Selection Manager, Anna brings to GBR her keen eye for detail and excellence in relationship management and is passionate about driving value through trusted relationships across the branded residential landscape.
Anna Carver MRICS
Business Development and Brand Selection & Negotiation Manager
Strategic Partners
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Chris Graham
Managing Director, Graham Associates (GMS)
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Chris is an international speaker and commentator on residential real estate, and author of the report “Branded Residences: An Overview.” Former Group Marketing Director at Hamptons International, for over two decades he has led branding and marketing for prestigious developments, earning multiple awards. In 2001, he became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Chris Graham
Managing Director, Graham Associates (GMS)
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Barry Landsberg
Principal, Landsberg Residential Consulting Inc.
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Barry is Principal at Landsberg Residential Consulting Inc., launching his practice after leadership roles at Four Seasons and Accor Hotels. With nearly 20 years of experience, he has supported over 40 mixed-use and standalone residential developments worldwide. He provides end-to-end development support, consulting, marketing planning and launch process. Collaborating with leading developers in Nashville, Miami, New York, Puerto Rico, Calgary, Crete, and Marrakesh, and assisting luxury and lifestlye brands in developing residential offerings
Barry Landsberg
Principal, Landsberg Residential Consulting Inc.
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Roger Allen
Group Chief Executive Officer, RLA Global
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Roger Allen is the Group CEO of RLA Global, an international advisory firm specialising in hospitality, leisure, and tourism. With over 20 years of expertise in destination projects, he has worked with leading hotel brands, overseeing planning, financial analysis, and asset management. Previously a partner at Horwath HTL, he contributed to Hotel & Resorts Valuation – An Investor’s Guide.
Roger Allen
Group Chief Executive Officer, RLA Global
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Richard Bursby
Partner, Taylor Wessing
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Taylor Wessing is a market-leading legal adviser in the Hotels & Hospitality sector, with a unique focus on Branded Residences. Led by Richard Bursby, the team combines a top ranked Hotels team alongside one of the strongest brand protection and IP teams in Europe. Their holistic approach ensures optimal legal structures and agreements, protecting the brand through development, sales, operations, and exit.
Richard Bursby
Partner, Taylor Wessing
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Richard Stevens
Group CEO, Sectorlight
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Richard is the group CEO of Sectorlight. His experience on global campaigns led Rich into hospitality, launching each of the GLF Hotels properties into the UK market. Lifestyle branding evolved into real estate, and over the last 15 years, Rich has been instrumental in leading international teams in creating and delivering successful brand strategies and global campaigns for some of the world’s leading names in residential commercial destinations and branded residences.
Richard Stevens
Group CEO, Sectorlight
Global brands we work with
Non-hotel brands have more recently entered the sector and come from a diverse of industries from fashion, design, automotive, sports, jewellery and restaurants. With their strong focus on design finishes and furnishings, non-hotel brands are able to create vibrant, memorable environments and iconic interior designs.
Marriott
Marriott Brand Premium Studies – Global
“Marriott International commissioned Global Branded Residences to provide our annual brand premium studies in 2024 and 2025, relating to a range of global branded projects across our luxury and premium brands. The studies were completed within the timeline we provided and the output was of a very high quality. The methodology they use has been reviewed at length by Marriott and we consider GBR as a trusted advisor to produce independent and accurate brand premium studies.”
Chief Development Officer U.S. Luxury Brands and Global Mixed-Use Development