DJ signs Finch

PROPERTY consultancy Drivers Jonas has appointed Mark Finch as head of its planning team in Leeds.

Mr Finch has joined from Rushbond where he was director of development. His career began at Sunderland City Council followed by a move to WA Fairhurst and Partners and later Newcastle’s Sanderson Townend and Gilbert before becoming director of planning for Thornfield Properties.

He will oversee DJ Leeds’ existing planning portfolio, including a number of high profile developments in the region including Land Securities’ Leeds Trinity Quarter and British Land’s River Don Valley regeneration.

Mr Finch intends to target new work across Yorkshire and the North East as the firm sets its sight on further growth, particularly among its public sector client base.

DJ’s Leeds office first opened in the summer of 2007 and billed £2.1m in revenue in its first year.

John Weir, partner at Drivers Jonas and head of the Leeds office, said: “While there has been some contraction in the regional property market there are still areas of growth that we, as Drivers Jonas, can continue to service.

“Mark’s extensive experience across Yorkshire and the North East in both the public and private sector makes him ideally placed to lead this drive for expansion.”