People: Investec appoints head of Leeds office; Bond Dickinson’s growth continues; and more

ROWENA HOUSTON has been appointed to head the Leeds office of Investec Wealth & Investment (IW&I).

Ms Houston will start the role in January, following the announcement of existing head Simon Kaye’s impending retirement.  

A senior investment director, Ms Houston has worked in IW&I’s Leeds office for the past 20 years and is responsible for managing significant funds for private clients and independent financial advisers.

She graduated in 1993 and joined the Institutional Investment team at Lloyds Investment Managers in London, which then became Hill Samuel.  In 1996, she joined BWD Rensburg (now IW&I) in Leeds as an investment assistant and was promoted through the ranks to senior investment director in 1999.   

Ms Houston replaces Mr Kaye who, after 20 years leading the Leeds office, has decided to retire.

Jonathan Wragg, Investec Wealth & Investment chief executive, said: “I am delighted to be announcing Rowena’s appointment as the new head of our Leeds office.  She has played a hugely significant role in building our presence in and around Leeds and the wider region, and I know she will continue to ensure we provide clients with the highest level of service.  Under Simon’s leadership, we have seen the office grow considerably and I would like to formally thank him for all of his work and commitment over many years.”

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THE Leeds office of Bond Dickinson is continuing to grow following a number of appointments.
 
Paul Joyce recently joined the law firm as an associate from Squire Paton Boggs and specialises in real estate disputes and advises clients on all aspects of commercial property litigation.

The office also has three new first year trainees, Katherine Davies, Leigh Jackson and Liam Turner.

Michelle Lally, who qualified earlier this year, accepted her position as a newly qualified solicitor in the real estate team.

In the firm’s recent internal promotions Samuel Dixon in the restructuring team, David Cole and Adam Wilkinson, both in the real estate team, have all been promoted to managing associate.

Mark Owen, partner and head of Bond Dickinson’s Leeds office said: “Our firm is committed to the development and success of our employees and I am delighted that a number of people across the office have been recognised for their hard work and commitment to providing an excellent service to our clients.

“Since opening in 2012 our Leeds office has continued to grow and over the last 18 months has made a significant number of appointments including corporate partner Simon Pilling and real estate partner Julia Field. We’ve also appointed legal directors Kiran Chand and Karen Eckstein, managing associates Jonathan Watmough and James Cook and associate Rebecca Whitehouse. Dale Armstrong a solicitor in residential development relocated from our Newcastle office to Leeds and we also promoted Jackie Gray to partner in May.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the team in Leeds as we continue to grow and continue to make a significant impact in the Yorkshire legal market.”

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FIFTY-FOUR staff have been promoted across Cushman & Wakefield’s UK business including three in its Leeds office.

Stephanie Hiscott, part of the development consultancy team has been promoted to associate director, while

Brad Johnson from the energy, infrastructure and sustainability team has been promoted to senior consultant.

Louise Slevin from the asset services team moves up to senior surveyor.

Keith Hardman, head of Cushman & Wakefield’s Leeds office said: “I am delighted to announce Stephanie, Brad and Louise’s promotions. We have always welcomed and supported those who seek to take on more responsibility and want to ensure that we are offering clear, structured career paths to develop and recognise our talent within the company.”