The Living Company Founder and CEO named Industry Figure of the Year

The Industry Figure of the Year: Asia-Pacific at the Private Equity Real Estate (PERE) Awards honours individuals shaping the future of private real estate.

Stephen Gaitanos has been recognised with the 2025 award for his role in advancing a fully integrated living model that brings together capital, operations and brand – positioning The Living Company at the forefront of institutional investment in living strategies across Asia Pacific.

Commenting on the win, Stephen said: “This award isn’t about a single deal or moment – it’s about building something that lasts and reflects the collective effort of our team and the strength of our platform.”

“In volatile markets, investors are increasingly prioritising integrated platforms that align capital, operations and brand. That alignment is where long-term value is created,” he added.

The award caps off a defining year for The Living Company, marked by a significant platform expansion and several milestones under Stephen’s leadership, together with co-founder Craig Carracher AM including:

• The establishment of its open-ended Core PBSA Fund, providing long-term institutional capital;
• The formal transition of the business to The Living Company, reflecting its evolution into a multi-sector living specialist;
• The landmark $3.85 billion acquisition of Aveo, one of the largest direct real estate transactions in Australian history; and
• Expansion of its Build to Rent portfolio through the acquisition of Marrickville Timberyards, the largest BTR development project in Sydney’s Inner West.

Scape launched in Australia in 2014 and has become the biggest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) owner and operator. Last year, Scape Australia became part of The Living Company.

With over 18,500 beds in 38 buildings across Australia’s four key educational precincts – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide – Scape has 10 buildings in planning and development, which will bring its total portfolio to 23,000 beds by 2025.

The group also employs more than 800 people and is the largest investor in Australia’s higher education sector, with AUD$6 billion in capital committed since 2018.