Starwood Property Trust Subsidiary Hatfield Philips International Appoints Chief Executive Officer

- Company Adds Structured Finance Veteran Blair Lewis -

LONDON, Dec. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Starwood Property Trust (NYSE: STWD) subsidiary Hatfield Philips International ("Hatfield Philips" or the "Company"), one of Europe's largest primary and special servicers, today announced that Blair Lewis, a 17-year veteran of the structured finance markets, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective January 6, 2014.

Mr. Lewis joins Hatfield Philips from The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) where he served as Head of Structuring and Origination Europe and Corporate Director RBS Global Banking & Markets. Prior to rejoining RBS in 2008, he was the Head of Origination for ABN-Amro's Structured Property team and held previous positions at RBS and in Societe Generale between 1995 and 2004. Having worked in structured finance markets for over 17 years, Mr. Lewis has significant experience in syndication and the origination of structured property mortgage loans and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS).

"After a comprehensive search that included a number of highly qualified candidates, we are delighted to appoint Blair as the leader of Hatfield Philips," said Barry Sternlicht, Starwood Property Trust's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Blair is an accomplished finance professional whose skills and impressive track record of success add tremendous value to the organization. Having worked closely with Hatfield Philips as a client, Blair understands the business and we are confident in his ability to help the firm achieve its strategic objectives." 

"It is a great privilege to join the Hatfield Philips team and I look forward to working with my talented colleagues to deliver added value to our clients and partners," said Mr. Lewis. "Given the dynamic environment in which Hatfield Philips operates, there is a meaningful opportunity to further establish the firm as the industry's premier loan servicer and champion of transparency in the marketplace. I look forward to devoting all of my energy to making sure Hatfield Philips builds its market leading position."

About Hatfield Philips International:
Hatfield Philips International is one of Europe's largest commercial real estate primary and special loan servicers with more than £18.5 billion assets under management. Since its inception in 1997, the Company has established itself as a leading commercial real estate asset service provider, offering a complete suite of products and services to a wide range of clients that issue, own or invest in commercial mortgage backed securities and loan portfolios. These services include Primary and Special Servicing, Agency Services, Real Estate and Debt Advisory, Due Diligence and Asset Management. Hatfield Philips is a subsidiary of LNR Property, a United States-based real estate investment, finance, management and development firm, which was acquired by Starwood Property Trust (NYSE: STWD) in 2013.

About Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. is focused on originating, investing in, financing and managing commercial mortgage loans and other commercial real estate debt investments, commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"), and other commercial real estate-related debt investments. The Company through its 2013 acquisition of LNR Property LLC ("LNR") now also operates as special servicer in the United States and a primary and special servicer in Europe and has expanded its product offering to include fixed rate conduit loans. Starwood Property Trust, Inc. also invests in residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") and residential real estate owned, and may invest in non-performing loans, commercial properties subject to net leases and residential mortgage loans. The Company is externally managed and advised by SPT Management, LLC, an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group, and has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Media Contacts:
Jason Chudoba, ICR Inc. on behalf of Hatfield Philips International
Phone: 011-1-203-682-8200
Jason.Chudoba@icrinc.com