Islington Team

Managing director James spent the majority of his life living in various parts of Islington. He started at the firm in 1989 under the tutelage of Geoffrey Hotblack and rose to partnership in 1998. He opened the Highbury office in 2006 and ran that before handing it over to Alasdair. He now looks after new business, working with developers and contractors which he finds pleasantly challenging, as well as the small business of running the firm! To unwind he gets on his bike and goes cycling. He also organises the Hotblack bike rides, a great way for everyone to get together out of the office and keep fit too!

James' favourite thing about North London: Largely flat from the river up to Muswell Hill, but plenty of hills further north to get my Tour de France on…

One of the few true home boys, Jake was born in Canonbury in 1971, and had the pleasure of going to Canonbury school. 26 years later, his children followed in his footsteps. When his first child went, he was shocked at how small the hall was and how little the climbing frames were. His primary love (after his wife and four children ) is skiing, and he spent 6 years as an instructor in the French Alps and touring the world. However, a broken back cut that career short. He started in estate agency in 1995, joining Hotblack Desiato in 1998 with partnership following in 2023. He skis as often as having 4 children allows, and he has a passion for design/ architecture and sailing.

Jake's favourite thing about North London: I do like the cricket at Lords on a summer afternoon...

Jess has lived in North London her whole life and is the youngest of four siblings. She began her property career in the Camden branch before taking a short break and moving into the busy and brilliant world of Islington.

Now Head of Lettings, Jess has a real interest in the regulatory side of the industry and enjoys getting her head around new legislation and how it works in practice for the business and its clients. Outside of work Jess is a big Formula One fan and a loyal supporter of Lewis Hamilton. She can be found playing netball in the local league and when she's not planning her weekend around the Grand Prix, she is likely to be running around her 5 nephews and 2 nieces. If you ever want to talk lettings, regulations, or Formula One, Jess is always happy to have a chat and offer advice.

Jess' favourite thing about North London:

It's home. It's friendly, beautiful, and there's nowhere else I'd rather live.

Born and raised in Islington, Maya began working for Hotblack Desiato after graduating from Bournemouth with a degree in Photography in 2019. Having previously worked in our Camden office, Maya is now based in her local office in Islington. In her spare time, she enjoys going on runs, spending time at home, and visiting the great pubs that North London has to offer. If you're ever wondering down Upper Street, please feel free to free to pop in for a chat!

Maya's favourite thing about North London:

Most weekends find me pottering in the homeware shops on Upper Street - Aria, Twenty/ 21!

Having joined Hotblack Desiato in 2022 after studying Real Estate at Oxford Brookes University, Charlie brings both professional training and genuine local insight to the team. Aside from three years spent at university, he has lived in Highbury his entire life, giving him an in-depth understanding of Islington and the surrounding areas.
Charlie's favourite parts of the role are cycling between appointments across the borough and meeting the wide variety of people who make Islington such a vibrant place to live.
A lifelong Arsenal supporter, he is firmly rooted in North London. In 2025, he received two company awards, most notably being recognised as Best Dressed in the firm.

Charlie's favourite thing about North London:

Obviously Arsenal? That's the whole point of the area no?

Samatha joined Hotblack Desiato's property management team in 2014 and received a warm and friendly welcome from everybody. Originally from up north Samantha has lived in London for over 20 years. She enjoys being a property manager - she feels it keeps her on her toes as no day is the same. She is a 'people person' and naturally goes above and beyond to meet the needs and requirements of clients and tenants. In her spare time she enjoys chilling and spending time with family near Birmingham, they do great fish and chips up there! She also enjoys travelling, reading, cooking and studying historic pictures. She also collects old dictionaries - she loves words

Samantha's favourite thing about North London: Absolutely nothing, I live in South London!

Coming all the way from sunny Cornwall, Ali graduated from Oxford Brookes and went straight into estate agency. He enjoys tennis, socialising and of course surfing - as you'd expect from a former Cornwall resident. The bright lights big city of Islington and North London are a welcome evolution from the streets of Oxford and Ali gets a lot of reward out of the joy people clearly experience at key handover

Ali's favourite thing about North London: When you come here you think it's going to be all serious and impersonal but I love the communities of all the separate places

Abigail joined the team with a wealth of experience across every area of property, from sales and lettings to tenancy management and everything in between. Having worked in all corners of the industry, Abigail brings a well-rounded perspective and a practical understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional service in her role as a Block Manager.

A natural people person, she prides herself on building strong relationships and going the extra mile to ensure clients feel supported, informed and feel confident their asset is in safe hands.

Outside of work, Abigail is a self-confessed cat lover and can often be found spending time with her feline friends. When not indulging her inner foodie, you'll likely find her at the gym, keeping active and maintaining a healthy balance alongside a busy professional life.

Favourite thing about North London:

The food scene is almost as good as East London

Jess joined the Islington team as a Property Manager, bringing a proactive and organised approach to her role. Living locally, she has a strong understanding of the area and takes pride in supporting landlords and tenants alike with clear communication and efficient problem-solving. With a calm and approachable manner, Jess ensures properties are managed smoothly and that clients feel confident their investments are in safe hands. Outside of work, Jess spends time in the gym as well as discovering new music and loves to travel.

Favourite thing about North London: Close to home.