Developer Manhattan Loft Corporation (MLC) has appointed a managing director to spearhead its expansion drive.

Martyn Bowes, formerly the managing director of the finance division of Barclays Capital’s European Real Estate and, before that, the head of property finance for Barclays’ UK business banking, replaces Angus Boag, who will remain a consultant .

Bowes will work with Harry Handelsman, MLC’S chief executive, to develop strategy in the UK and broaden the presence in Germany, eastern Europe and the Middle East.

MLC is also launching a recruitment drive for architects, designers and project managers.

Bowes said: “I’m confident of the continued success of the business as we look to expand its activities independently and with our current and future partners.”

The company is working on a £400m portfolio of schemes. These include the regeneration of Ealing Studios in west London, a 32-storey tower at West India Quay, Docklands, east London, and the £100m refurbishment of the grade I-listed St Pancras Chambers, off Euston Road, north London, into a hotel and apartments.

MLC has recently branched out from residential development into mixed-use and office schemes.