Say hello to Felix Keen, Director of Asset Management

When and how did you join the company?

I joined in 2002 after starting my career in the Metropolitan Police property division, where I qualified in Human Resources via their graduate program. I then worked for a facilities management business, also in their property division. Then just by chance, I heard Innovus was looking for a Head of Human Resources who had property experience. I got the job and I’ve been here for 21 years! I’ve been lucky enough to have a really varied career including a number of years running our RMC (Resident Management Company) division.

Describe your responsibilities

We work closely with freeholders – our key partnership is with a major pension fund investor in ground rents to ensure that they meet all their day-to-day obligations as a landlord. That could be making sure their property manager is carrying out all their statutory compliance activities (Health and Safety checks for instance), collecting any ground rent or insurance, or advising on the fast paced and changing regulatory environment.

How do you help clients and customers?

We are the representative for the landlord, so we regularly talk to customers who for instance, might need permission from the landlord to carry out works within their flat. A key part of what we do for the landlord is making sure customers pay their ground rent on time – it’s an investment after all. Also, building safety has become an even more significant part of our role – we help landlords be compliant with the various elements of the legislation. In turn, this ensures that customers are safe in their homes.

What is unique about Innovus?

The sheer depth and breadth of our in-house expertise is unmatched in the sector in my opinion. We also have people, like myself, fortunate enough to be able to dedicate work time to industry bodies and give something back to the sector.

What has been your proudest moment?

I worked on a large project during lockdown, implementing a new property system to the business. I had the opportunity to work with software developers and people right across the business. I learnt a new agile way of working – actions were hit within a day, not a week or month. It was an amazing experience, a great team effort, and a success in really challenging circumstances. It was a massive investment, and one that I am still really proud of being a part of.