This week's London appointments

Guzman de Yarza Blache, JLL

Professional services firm JLL has appointed a new head for its workplace strategy business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Guzman de Yarza Blache joined the company two years ago as head of workplace strategy and design in Spain.

He has over 15 years’ experience in architecture, design and consultancy, has a PhD in architecture and lectures for the Strategic Design of Spaces Masters at Spain’s IE School of Architecture and Design.

Neil Murray, JLL’s CEO, corporate solutions, EMEA, said: “Our clients increasingly realise that they can no longer only focus on providing space to work, they need to create places that enable people to fulfil their ambitions.

“At JLL, we need to keep pace with what our clients need, and Guzman’s appointment will only strengthen our ability to offer market-leading advice and insight to clients.”

He added: “With his experience and track record in managing large scale and complex projects, Guzman’s appointment will be a real asset to colleagues and clients alike.”

Guzman de Yarza Blache commented: “For years I’ve been working with my teams to make workplaces more human-centric, be it from a business or academic perspective.

“I am looking forward to working more closely with my colleagues across the region as we decode the new world of work for our clients.”

Gro Gunleiksrud Haatvedt and Amanda Chilcott, Neptune Energy Group

Oil and gas exploration and production company Neptune Energy Group has appointed Gro Gunleiksrud Haatvedt (pictured) as vice president and group head of exploration.

Gro previously worked for Aker BP ASA, where she was senior vice president for exploration for four years. Before that, she was senior VP for the Norwegian Shelf at Equinor.

Neptune has also appointed Amanda Chilcott as group human resources director.

Amanda was previously human resources director of the power solutions division at equipment supplier Aggreko Plc.

Neptune Energy Group CEO Jim House said: “It is with great pleasure that I announce these appointments.

“Gro and Amanda have exceptional track records in their fields and each will play a major role in our plan to become a leading independent international E&P Company.”

Noemi Gomez and Joaquin Cheto, WebBeds

B2B accommodation provider WebBeds has this month announced two appointments.

Noemi Gomez (pictured) has joined the company as director of revenue management for Europe and Joaquin Cheto as head of business intelligence, also for Europe.

Noemi’s background includes leadership roles at accommodation providers Welcomebeds and Fastpayhotels. Similarly, Joaquin has held management positions at Soluziona, T-Systems and Hotelbeds Group.

The CCO of WebBeds Europe, Anders Kjong, said: “To be able to attract two such incredibly experienced and talented professionals really is a testimony to where WebBeds is right now and of course where we want to be going forwards.

“In order to achieve our ambitious growth plans across the business, it is critical we invest in talent to develop the insight and strategies we gain from our data and evolve our sophisticated pricing approach even further.”

He continued: “Ultimately we want to ensure our supply partners have the best possible opportunity to distribute their inventory and that our clients have access to a competitively priced portfolio of hotels. With Noemi and Joaquin now onboard, we’re in a great position to achieve this.”

Jeremy Newsum, Wates Group

Construction, development and property services company Wates Group Ltd has added to its board with the appointment of Jeremy Newsum, former executive trustee of the Grosvenor Estate.

Jeremy will join Wates alongside fellow non-exec directors Deena Mattar and David Barclay.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and has 25 years’ experience at the helm of Grosvenor Estate’s executive team.

In addition to his appointment at Wates, Jeremy also holds non-exec posts at Trinity College, Cambridge; Spanish property investment firm Grupo Lar and business member group Cambridge Ahead.

Wates Group chairman James Wates CBE said: “Jeremy is a business leader with tremendous experience of property, family business and investment, and we look forward to welcoming him to our board.

“He joins us at an exciting time in our development, as we seek to build on recent successes and pursue our strategic ambitions for long term, sustainable growth.”

Jeremy commented: “I am extremely pleased to be joining the Wates Board as a non-executive director.

“Wates has established itself in the sector as a successful, family-run business with a reputation built on trust. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to working with the board and the executive committee in the years ahead.”

Geraint Regan, ThinCats

SME funder ThinCats has appointed Geraint Regan as its director of regional business development for the West Midlands.

Geraint, a chartered accountant, has over 20 years’ experience in the banking and corporate finance sectors.

He has advised on numerous corporate finance transactions in his career, including acquisitions, disposals, management buyouts and fund raisings, having worked with international firms like EY, PwC, IBM and RBS.

Geraint said: “SMEs continue to find access to finance difficult and this will become increasing challenging as we approach Brexit, meaning that thousands of small businesses across the UK are missing out on finance to support them with their growth ambitions.

“As a regional SME itself, ThinCats understands these challenges and is providing the opportunity to effectively support entrepreneurs and SMEs in the short, medium and long term through a variety of flexible financing structures.”

Damon Walford, ThinCats’ chief development officer, commented: “We are delighted to have Geraint joining us. ThinCats has a strong regional heritage in understanding and untapping the growth of UK SMEs.

“Geraint’s experience will enhance our offering as more businesses turn to funders like ThinCats.”

Matt Benton, Investec Corporate Treasury

Investec Corporate Treasury has appointed Matt Benton as a dealer in its money markets team.

Matt has more than 20 years of experience in corporate treasury, most recently with King & Shaxson. His background also includes roles with Link Asset Services, Co-operative Bank and BGC Partners.

The head of Corporate Treasury at Investec, Andrew Lillywhite, said: “In the fast-moving world of corporate treasury, it is critical that we continue to evolve our products and services to help clients navigate new opportunities and challenges.

“Matt brings to the team a depth of knowledge and expertise that we will leverage and build upon as we develop our offering.”

Corporate Treasury is part of Investec Corporate and Institutional Bank. It offers risk management solutions and personal service to SMEs and family owned businesses.

Five appointments, Henley

Private equity real estate investor Henley has announced senior appointments across its UK investment management teams.

The firm’s chief investment officer, Andy Brandon, has moved to the role of managing director of Henley Healthcare Investments (HHI). He has taken over from outbound MD Paul Fray, who is retiring.

Andrew Kelsall, meanwhile, will work alongside Andy at HHI as sales commercial director. Andrew has more than a decade’s experience in business management, including senior roles held at beauty firm Coty and consumer goods company Procter & Gamble.

Henley also appointed Adrian D’Enrico from Axa Investment Managers for the role of fund manager of the Henley Secure Income fund (SIPUT); Kam Bagga from Credit Suisse, as an investor relations director; and Debby Dean as head of human resources.

CEO Ian Rickwood said: “We are very pleased to welcome these new additions to the Henley team, which are testament to the growth of the business and support Henley’s continued objectives.

“These promotions and appointments all bring with them enviable industry experience, which will support Henley’s expansion in existing and new real estate investment opportunities.”

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