Dean Cook

Managing Director

Dean Cook, a seasoned professional with over three decades of expertise in both the property and Australian financial services sectors, stands at the helm of United PF Ltd & United Investment Management. As a Registered Responsible Manager under United PF’s AFSL, Dean embodies experience, competence, and a commitment to excellence.

Dean’s journey commenced in 1989, delving into the realm of private wealth advisory. Over the years, he has been a guiding light for individuals and companies, nurturing relationships that endure to this day. With a keen understanding of the intricate web of financial services, Dean’s prowess extends to fund management and investment.

The property development arena has also felt the impact of Dean’s influence. For two decades, he has been orchestrating multi-million-dollar transactions that have left a lasting imprint on the landscape. What truly sets Dean apart is his unwavering dedication to investors. He champions a personal co-investment philosophy, a testament to his commitment to aligning his interests with those of the investors.

Over the past decade, Dean’s stewardship has led to the successful management of various property investments, reaping strong returns for investors. His adept skill set, and experience have steered the United Group to deliver desired outcomes even in the face of economic volatility, ensuring capital raisings are not necessary.

Dean’s wealth of knowledge spanning the financial services and property development sectors brings immense value to the United Property Group. His presence amplifies our mission to provide strategic investment solutions that stand as a beacon of stability and prosperity. Welcome to the vision Dean Cook shapes every day at United Property Group.

Michael Ibbotson

B.Bus FP AFP AMC ASX

Director | Asset Management

Michael Ibbotson, a professional investor and investment manager, boasts a wealth of knowledge spanning diverse asset classes. Embarking on his career journey in 1999 at Austock Broking, Michael’s expertise has grown to encompass all corners of the financial landscape.

A qualified financial planner armed with a degree in Bachelor of Business Financial Planning, Michael’s credentials also include being an Associate (AFP) member of the Financial Planning Association. His comprehensive understanding of the funds management industry is accentuated by his role as the principal of a prominent boutique investment house. Additionally, he is the Managing Director of his family’s second-generation Financial Planning firm, which has thrived since its establishment in 1981.

With a remarkable track record of 23 years, Michael has nurtured a profound insight into investor needs. His advisory prowess has impacted countless individuals, families, and small to medium business owners. Serving as a portfolio manager, Michael deftly allocates strategic assets, leveraging a fusion of methodologies honed over two decades. His investment acumen spans the spectrum from direct and indirect to listed and unlisted property, dating back to 2001.

Michael’s clients value his candid and forthright approach. He is dedicated to optimizing client outcomes, offering unparalleled support through steadfast relationships and effective communication.

Within the United Heritage Group, Michael takes on a pivotal role, overseeing operations and steering the day-to-day investment strategy. His responsibilities extend to advising investors, ensuring that each financial journey is guided by expertise and insight. As a director and shareholder in Heritage Property Fund Pty Ltd, the investment manager for the Fund, Michael’s leadership underscores our commitment to strategic and successful investment endeavours.

Barbara Ibbotson

MBA BSc.

Director | Head of Compliance

As a seasoned professional with 14 years in the financial services and investment sector, Barbara Ibbotson stands as a driving force within United Group. Her journey, beginning in a government Economics Advisory role in 2007, led her to steer the course of Security National Financial Services AFSL. Since 2017, Barbara has dedicated her efforts to nurturing the growth of Heritage Property Fund, a venture that has seamlessly evolved into a prominent retail fund management group, with United PF assuming its role as Responsible Manager.

A Director of United PF Ltd and the Head of Compliance and Strategy, Barbara exudes her expertise across multifaceted responsibilities. She leads with precision, ensuring the analysis and appropriateness of every asset handpicked by our investment managers. Barbara’s astute guidance encompasses a comprehensive evaluation, a testament to her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and strategic vision.

Barbara’s academic accolades include a Bachelor of Economics from her native Dominican Republic and a Master in Business Administration from Deakin University, a testament to her international perspective in the financial realm. Her profound insights, coupled with her hands-on experience, make her a vital cornerstone of United Group, shaping the landscape of financial excellence.

Dan Steinborner

BCom CA.

Chief Financial Officer

Dan brings to the table over 12 years of rich experience in the accounting and finance industry, having worked across diverse industries and making a significant impact. As a certified Chartered Accountant and a degree holder in accounting and economics, he possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Dan’s relentless drive for growth and improvement, not only in his own role but also in elevating the capabilities of his team, underscores his professional philosophy. His inherent focus on providing effective solutions makes him a valuable and esteemed asset within the United Property Fund team.

Sophia Gray

Senior Development Manager

Sophia Gray is a Senior Development Manager with 15+ years' experience delivering mixed-use, commercial, and residential developments across Australia, with a strong focus on Victoria.

She has led end-to-end project delivery, managing large consultant teams, contractors, and key stakeholders through planning, design, construction, and handover.

Sophia also brings significant experience from the funds management sector, working closely with major financial institutions, private investors, and capital partners.

Known for her strong commercial acumen, strategic approach, and collaborative leadership style, she consistently delivers high-quality, commercially sound outcomes across complex development portfolios.

Ke Yap

Senior Analyst

With over a decade of senior experience in Australia’s property development and real estate sectors, I bring a strong commercial, analytical, and strategic foundation shaped by roles across major developers, investment groups, and private consultancy.

Backed by a Master of Business (Property), a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), and CPA membership, I combine financial rigour with deep industry insight to deliver high-quality feasibility modelling, capital structuring, acquisition analysis, and strategic project advisory.

My work has supported residential, commercial, industrial, retail, hotel, and mixed-use developments valued in the billions, with direct involvement from due diligence through to delivery.

Operating as a trusted advisor to executives, capital partners, lenders, and development teams, I’m known for distilling complex financial, market, and development variables into clear, actionable insights that inform project strategy and organisational decision-making.

I excel in environments requiring strong commercial judgement, stakeholder leadership, and technical capability, consistently identifying opportunities, mitigating risks, and driving outcomes aligned with highest and best use principles.

Andy Waston

BAcc, CPA

Accountant

Andy Watson, Compliance, has been a valued member of Smith Feutrill since 2007, bringing over 15 years’ expertise as a trusted adviser for his clients and building strong, long-lasting relationships.

Andy specialises in strategic advice, structuring, and support for commercial transactions. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his two young children, two miniature dachshunds, and the odd round of golf.

Sherry Carroll

BAcc, CPA

Accountant

Possessing a deep interest in the Australian property sector, Sherry joined the United PF Ltd team in 2022, inspired to help our investors achieve strong returns.

Growing up in Darwin, she completed a Bachelor of Accounting degree at Charles Darwin University.

Sherry has experience as a tax accountant, having worked for one of Australia's largest tax services companies, before moving to Melbourne in 2019.

She’s also an accomplished project accountant. In her previous role she managed cashflow and operating budgets for a Victorian construction company undertaking successful boutique commercial/retail and residential developments.

Sherry is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).