This week’s London appointments

Jodi Yang, Balderton Capital

Early-stage venture capital investor Balderton Capital has appointed Jodi Yang as head of investor relations.

Jodi is a former partner at California-based B Capital Group, the global VC firm established by Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.

A bilingual Chinese-American, Jodi’s finance career started out with Citi and HSBC in New York. She went on to become an entrepreneur, co-founding Shanghai-based fast-fashion business Novo Holdings, which was eventually acquired by investment firm KKR.

Balderton Capital’s operating partner, Jerome Misso, said: “Jodi brings skills as an investor and an entrepreneur to Balderton which will be invaluable in building even stronger relations between Balderton, its portfolio companies and the LPs who trust us to seek out future global tech giants from across Europe.”

Jodi commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining Balderton Capital at this exciting time when Europe is seeing strong growth in tech companies with truly global ambitions.

“One of the things that attracted me to work in Europe was the great energy from entrepreneurs and investors that I am seeing across the continent. Companies are growing larger and faster as a result of the capital now available to them and its hugely exciting to be able to help them achieve their ambitions.”

Alberto Martin, London Luton Airport

London Luton Airport (LLA) has appointed planning and investment director Alberto Martin as its new CEO.

Alberto will take over the role from outbound chief exec Nick Barton, who is stepping down to pursue a new professional challenge in the new year.

Prior to joining LLA, Alberto gained 20 years of experience in airports. His background includes a 10-year stint as managing director of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura airports.

Commenting on his appointment, Alberto Martin said: “Building on the strong demand from passengers and the success of our recent terminal transformation, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead the team in establishing LLA as the airport of choice for accessible, easy and enjoyable air travel.”

LLA’s shareholders thanked Nick Barton for his contribution and leadership during the last four years, which saw the airport grow its annual footfall from 9.7 million to 16.5 million passengers.

John Waterman and Mike Hart, Willmott Dixon

Building firm Willmott Dixon has promoted its two chief operating officers (COO) to its parent board.

John Waterman (pictured), COO of Willmott Dixon Construction, and Mike Hart, COO of Willmott Dixon Interiors, will both serve as members of the Willmott Dixon Holdings board from the start of 2019.

Their combined experience with the business spans 55 years.

Rick Willmott, group chief exec, said: “These promotions reflect John and Mike’s exceptional commitment, astute contribution and loyalty to our business over many years, which have resulted in the increasing success and the sustained growth and profile of our Construction and Interiors companies under their leadership.”

“Strengthening our most senior team is another prudent step to ensure we are in the best possible shape to adapt to life after Brexit.”

From January, the Willmott Dixon Holdings board will comprise six executive directors – group chairman Colin Enticknap, group chief executive Rick Willmott, Graham Dundas, Wendy McWilliams, Mike Hart and John Waterman, along with non-executives Christopher Sheridan and Jonathon Porritt.

Amanda Fox, Magnuson Worldwide

Hotel business Magnuson Worldwide has announced Amanda Fox as its new head of marketing.

An American expat, Amanda spent more than 10 years working directly for, and as a supplier to, the hospitality, e-gaming and casino gaming industries across three countries before starting a new career in the travel sector last year.

The head of marketing role will make see Amanda spearheading consumer and business development campaigns for 500 hotels within Magnuson’s global portfolio and various partner hotels.

Prior to her new role, she was the firm’s senior marketing manager.

Jonny Pickup, Commercial Property Partners LLP

Property consultancy Commercial Property Partners LLP (CPP) has given its London-based team a boost with the appointment of a new associate.

Jonny Pickup previously worked as an associate at Strutt & Parker, where he was a member of the firm’s capital markets team and specialised in office and industrial property.

He said: “CPP is fast building a formidable reputation within the commercial property arena. I am excited to be joining an ambitious and forward looking organisation, building on my experience to date, and working to deliver a high-quality service across the UK.”

Partner Richard Wright, who leads CPP’s London office, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Jonny on board. With his expertise in the industrial and logistics sectors, along with his drive and ambition, he will make an excellent addition to the team.

“Indeed, the strength of CPP is defined by the quality and experience of the team, so the appointment of Jonny will only strengthen our position going into 2019.”

Rafael Intriago Rodriguez, Splendid Hospitality Group

Leisure operator Splendid Hospitality Group has chosen Rafael Intriago Rodriguez as the new director of sales at Holiday Inn London – Wembley.

He will be responsible for developing and promoting the hotel to the corporate and consumer markets, using his industry knowledge to create new long-term relationships with key partners.

Rafael has 15 years’ experience in sales and business development in the hospitality sector.

Before joining Splendid, he was director of sales at Holiday Inn London West.

Zeljko Stasevic, general manager at Holiday Inn London – Wembley, said: “I am honoured to have Rafael join the team here at Wembley.

“His in-depth knowledge of industry trends combined with strong customer focus and relationship building skills make him the perfect fit for the evolving Holiday Inn London-Wembley and I have every faith he will contribute greatly to the success of the property.”

Rafael commented: “I am honoured to be joining the Splendid Family and the team at Holiday Inn London – Wembley. With its ideal positioning in such a thriving area with great connections to local attractions and first-class facilities, I am excited to explore the new opportunities and valuable new business I can bring to the brand.”

Andy Piggott, Metro Bank

Metro Bank has appointed Andy Piggott as director of lending products.

Reporting to chief commercial officer Paul Riseborough, Andy will be responsible for overseeing the bank’s mortgages and unsecured lending products.

He has more than 12 years’ experience in retail banking and joined Metro from TSB, where he spent two years as head of personal current accounts and then became the bank’s head of cards.

Metro Bank chief commercial officer Paul Riseborough said: “I’m delighted to welcome Andy to the team at such an exciting time for us.

“As our mortgage business continues to go from strength-to-strength, I know Andy’s strong financial services experience coupled with his ability to think outside the box, will enhance our offering still further.”

Andy commented: “Joining an organisation that puts customers at its very heart and isn’t afraid to disrupt the status quo, has always been high on my priority list.

“There is so much opportunity for the bank; I’m thrilled to be part of its growth story.”

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