Seasoned finance executive driving strategic growth and financial leadership at Instone Real Estate Group.
David Dreyfus is the CFO of Instone Real Estate Group SE, bringing over 28 years of experience in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets. Educated at the University of St. Gallen, he has held senior roles at Lazard and Lilja & Co. Since joining Instone in 2023, Dreyfus has focused on sustainable growth and strong financial leadership in the real estate sector.
David Dreyfus: Facts
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | David Dreyfus |
| Year of Birth | 1969 |
| Nationality | British / Swiss |
| Residence | Frankfurt am Main, Germany |
| Current Role | Chief Financial Officer and Management Board Member |
| Company | Instone Real Estate Group SE |
| CFO Appointment | 1 September 2023 |
| Board Term | Through 31 December 2027 |
| Education | lic. oec. HSG (equivalent to MBA) |
| University | University of St. Gallen (HSG) |
| Key Expertise | Corporate finance, capital markets, mergers & acquisitions |
Early Life and Academic Background
David Dreyfus’s academic foundation played an important role in shaping his career in finance and capital markets. He studied at the renowned University of St. Gallen in Switzerland from 1992 to 1995.
At the university, he earned a lic. oec. HSG degree, which is widely considered equivalent to a Master of Business Administration (MBA). The University of St. Gallen, often abbreviated as HSG, is internationally recognized for its programs in economics, finance, and business administration. Many European finance executives and corporate leaders have emerged from this institution, making it a respected training ground for careers in banking and corporate strategy.
His education at HSG provided a strong theoretical framework in economics, financial management, and strategic planning, skills that would later prove invaluable in his corporate finance career.
Early Career in Investment Banking
After completing his studies, David Dreyfus began his professional career in investment banking with the global advisory firm Lazard. His early work involved assignments in major financial hubs including Frankfurt, New York, and Paris.
During the mid-to-late 1990s, Dreyfus worked on mergers and acquisitions transactions, advising companies on strategic deals, restructuring, and financial planning. These early roles exposed him to cross-border financial transactions and complex corporate negotiations.
Leadership Role at Lazard
David Dreyfus’s career progressed steadily at Lazard. By 2000, he had advanced to the role of M&A Director in Frankfurt, a position he held until 2005.
As a director, he advised corporations on mergers and acquisitions, managed complex corporate finance transactions, supported capital market strategies, and led financial analysis and deal execution.
Working with multinational companies and investors, Dreyfus gained significant experience in financial structuring, valuation, and strategic advisory.
The director role also positioned him as a trusted advisor to companies navigating major financial decisions.
Partner at Lilja & Co.
In 2005, David Dreyfus transitioned from investment banking to corporate finance advisory when he joined Lilja & Co. as a partner.
At Lilja & Co., he worked across Zürich and Frankfurt, advising corporate clients, investors, and real estate companies on strategic transactions.
His work focused on corporate finance strategy, capital markets advisory, mergers and acquisitions, and financial restructuring.
Dreyfus remained with the firm for nearly two decades (2005-2023), developing a reputation for long-term strategic financial guidance.
His extensive advisory work during this period included supporting major corporate transactions and helping companies prepare for capital market activities such as initial public offerings (IPOs).
Connection to Instone Real Estate Group
David Dreyfus’s relationship with Instone Real Estate Group SE began before he formally joined the company.
During his advisory career, he played a role in supporting Instone’s IPO preparation and execution in 2017 and 2018. This experience gave him deep insight into the company’s financial structure, development strategy, and long-term growth plans.
Because of this involvement, Dreyfus was already familiar with the company’s business model, management approach, and capital market positioning before becoming part of its executive leadership.
Appointment as CFO of Instone Real Estate Group
On 1 September 2023, David Dreyfus officially became the Chief Financial Officer and member of the management board of Instone Real Estate Group.
Instone is one of Germany’s prominent residential real estate developers, focusing on sustainable urban development and residential housing projects across major German cities.
His appointment was announced as part of the company’s leadership strategy to strengthen financial management and capital market expertise.
Dreyfus’s board term currently runs through 31 December 2027.
Role and Responsibilities as CFO
As CFO of Instone Real Estate Group, David Dreyfus oversees the company’s financial operations and strategic financial planning.
His responsibilities include overseeing corporate finance strategy, managing capital market communication, ensuring financial reporting and compliance, handling investment planning and risk management, and supporting long-term growth initiatives.
In addition, the CFO plays a key role in maintaining investor confidence and ensuring transparency in financial performance.
Given Instone’s position as a publicly listed company, these responsibilities also involve close engagement with shareholders, analysts, and regulatory bodies.
Strategic Vision and Leadership Priorities
Within Instone’s management team, David Dreyfus emphasizes the importance of financial stability and sustainable development.
His leadership priorities include:
1. Sustainable Urban Development
He supports initiatives that promote responsible housing development and environmentally sustainable urban projects.
2. Long-Term Stakeholder Value
Dreyfus has highlighted the importance of creating sustainable value for investors, customers, and communities.
3. Strong Financial Platform
Another major focus is maintaining a strong financial platform that allows the company to pursue growth opportunities while managing market risks.
Professional Experience in Corporate Finance
David Dreyfus brings more than 28 years of experience in corporate finance and capital markets.
Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in international mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, IPO preparation and execution, capital markets strategy, and investment banking advisory.
This breadth of experience allows him to combine strategic financial insight with practical transaction experience.
Such expertise is particularly valuable for companies operating in capital-intensive industries like real estate development.
Board and External Involvement
Beyond his corporate role, David Dreyfus is involved in external initiatives and foundations.
His Instone professional profile mentions involvement with the Städelschule Foundation in Frankfurt, which supports the well-known art academy associated with the Städelschule.
In addition, he participates in charitable activities, reflecting a broader commitment to social engagement outside the corporate environment.
Leadership in a Changing Real Estate Market
The European real estate market has recently faced notable shifts. Rising interest rates, changing housing demand, stricter urban sustainability policies, and ongoing capital market volatility have all influenced how developers and investors approach growth and long-term planning.
For companies like Instone Real Estate Group, strong financial leadership is essential to navigate these evolving conditions.
David Dreyfus’s combination of investment banking expertise, advisory experience, and capital market knowledge positions him well to manage these challenges.
His background also reflects a broader trend in corporate leadership, where companies increasingly appoint CFOs with deep capital markets experience.
Conclusion
David Dreyfus represents a modern example of a European finance executive whose career spans investment banking, corporate advisory, and executive leadership.
From his academic training at the University of St. Gallen to senior roles at Lazard and Lilja & Co., he has built a strong reputation in corporate finance and capital markets.
Since becoming CFO of Instone Real Estate Group in 2023, Dreyfus has taken on the responsibility of guiding the company’s financial strategy, supporting sustainable growth, and maintaining strong relationships with investors and stakeholders.
With decades of financial expertise and a focus on long-term value creation, his leadership continues to play a significant role in shaping the financial direction of one of Germany’s notable residential developers.
