Team
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Jeffrey S Hilton SC
Managing Director
Jeffrey S Hilton has 34 years experience as a practising barrister and 20 years experience in real estate and financial investments. Jeffrey took over as Executive Chairman of the family's diverse business interests in 2008 following his late father John J Hilton, a titan of the Australian fashion industry.
Until 2012 Jeffrey practised as a barrister specialising in commercial law, competition law and administrative law. He was appointed Senior Counsel in New South Wales (1993) and subsequently Queens Counsel in Western Australia and Tasmania. Jeffrey was head of the Ninth Floor of Selborne Chambers, a leading floor of barristers' chambers in Sydney, and was an Associate Commissioner of the Trade Practices Commission and the Australia Compeition and Consumer Commission. Jeffrey also served as legal officer in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve (RANR) and was appointed Head of the NSW Navy Reserve Legal Panel having reached the rank of Captain.​Jeffrey holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Hons 1) from the University of Sydney, a Certificate of General Management from Cambridge Judge Business School and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Karl Davis
Director - Property & Investments
Karl leads the day-to-day operations of the office, with a focus on new investments, delivery of new project, and asset performance. He is also the founder of NESTL, a growing co-living and student accommodation brand reimagining how young people live, connect, and thrive in cities.
With over a decade of experience across the property lifecycle, Karl has worked in acquisitions, development, finance, and strategic advisory. His career includes roles at Stockland in acquisitions, at Qualitas in real estate debt and equity, and as an advisor to Opendoor, a US-based co-living developer and operator.
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Karl holds a Bachelor of Property Economics (Honours) and a Diploma of Leadership and Management from the University of Technology Sydney. He was awarded the Stockland Ervin Graf Scholarship and has previously served as Co-Chair of the Property Industry Foundation's Future Leaders Committee.
Kellie Robertson
Consultant - Investments
Kellie is responsible for the investment portfolio, ex real estate, at HFO Capital. That includes management of existing wealth managers and review of new opportunities.
With over 25 years financial services experience, Kellie is the founder and principal consultant at Kellie Robertson Wealth (KR Wealth). Prior to establishing KR Wealth, Kellie spent 11 years at Westpac Banking Group Limited – the last 4 years as QLD State General Manager for Westpac Private Bank and St George Private, the first 7 years she built and led the UHNW Family Office business in Westpac Private Bank, Sydney.
Kellie was one of the founding members of ANZ Private Bank in 1996 and held numerous roles during her 13 years at ANZ Private including Head of Risk and Operations, Associate Director Family Office and Head of Professional Segment.
Kellie holds a Bachelor of Business from University of Technology Sydney, is RG146 accredited and has completed Australian Institute of Company Directors course.
Denita Payne
Operations & Finance Manager
Denita began working with Jeffrey Hilton SC in 1997, joining the practice as a Legal Personal Assistant. Over the years, Denita became an integral part of chambers operations, providing high-level administrative support, coordinating legal briefs, and ensuring compliance with accountancy and taxation requirements.
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In addition to legal administrative duties, Denita was also entrusted with managing a wide range of personal and financial matters for the Hilton family.
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Following Jeffrey Hilton's retirement from full-time legal practice in 2011, Denita transitioned into a pivotal role overseeing the investment operations, finance and administration of the family office. Denita continues to manage commercial and residential property portfolios and both Australian and international share investments, maintaining her trusted position as a key advisor and administrator for the Hilton family’s business and financial affairs.