30 years' experience as a major ship owning and management group. Sold 67 vessels during 2004-2006 and remained poised to re-enter the shipping market according to the market cycle.

In 2003 created the Libra Group and undertook major diversification into real estate, construction, aviation, hospitality and private equity.

Within three years of its formation in 2004 Lease Corporation International (LCI) became the world's largest privately owned aircraft lessor.  Since its inception LCI has acquired modern commercial aircraft valued at over $3.5 billion.

In November 2007 LCI completed the $1 billion sale of its entire fleet of 21 aircraft during a cyclical high point leaving it poised for re-investment according to market opportunity.

2009 sees acquisition of 32 aircraft valued at $2.5 billion by LCI. Comprises an order for 20 Bombardier CSeries new generation aircraft and a further 12 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. LCI also holds options to purchase a further 20 Bombardier CSeries.

July 2009 - Hon. John Negroponte, formerly US Deputy Secretary of State, Director of National Intelligence and Ambassador to the United Nations, appointed as Senior Advisor to Libra Board of Directors. 

In 2004 identified significant real estate and hospitality sector growth opportunities in South America. Created First South American Investments (FSA), a holding company now comprising real estate development, construction, hospitality investment, infrastructure investment and real estate brokerage subsidiaries.  

Within two years of its formation FSA's real estate subsidiary became one of the largest privately owned property developers in Argentina. One of its recently completed commercial developments now accommodates the Argentinean headquarters building of Unilever.

2006 saw major expansion of First Mediterranean Investments (FMI), a holding company comprising hospitality, energy and real estate subsidiaries.  FMI has committed deals in excess of $500m.

In 2007 launched Grace Hotels Group, an owned and managed collection of luxury boutique hotels. The Mykonos Grace opened to critical acclaim and won European Hotel Design of the Year Award 2007. The Santorini Grace opened to similar plaudits in the summer of 2008 and was the only hotel in Greece named in the coveted Condé Nast Hot List 2009.  There are several other Grace hotels under development including branded hotel and private residences complexes. 

Created Centurion European Holdings, a joint venture company focused on Central European real estate. The company has completed multiple large scale transactions in Germany including major redevelopment projects.

2007 - Major expansion of hospitality interests with agreement to construct and own luxury hotels including the St. Regis Buenos Aires - the first branded hotel and residences complex in South America - and the Park Hyatt Koh Samui hotel and residences complex.

Through its subsidiary, US Hotels, purchased a collection of hotels, real estate, restaurants, spa and banqueting facilities as well as an exclusive marina in New England's Kennebunkport resort. Includes the acclaimed White Barn Inn Relais & Château restaurant and luxury lodging. In Q1 2008 acquired 160 acre Windham Hill Inn hotel and restaurant in Southern Vermont.

2006 saw an energetic investment programme in Central America with the launch of First Central America. The company has already completed 15 deals with an initial focus on prime commercial real estate. Blue chip tenants include Sony Ericsson, Credit Suisse, Amex and foreign Embassies.

From a standing start in 2004 used local market insight to build strategic investment portfolio in Southeast Asia. Major property disposal followed Singapore property boom. Transactions have exceeded $300 million since inception. Local subsidiary First Oriental now developing luxury new-build apartments in heart of Bangkok.