The British Business Bank has appointed Leandros Kalisperas (pictured) as its first chief investment officer, with responsibility for all of the bank’s investment activities.
He joins the state development bank in January 2025 from the West Yorkshire Pension Fund where he holds the role of chief investment officer.
He has 20 years of public and private sector financial services experience across banking, pensions and asset management, having previously held senior positions at Abrdn and the Universities Superannuation Scheme.
In his new role, Kalisperas will be responsible for the entirety of the British Business Bank’s investment business which includes its two commercial subsidiaries, British Business Investments and British Patient Capital.
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His scope will also include the recently launched Nations and Regions Investment Funds and the Enterprise Capital Funds programme.
Additionally, he will be tasked with sourcing and delivering investments for the new British Growth Partnership that was recently announced by the government, to encourage more UK pension funds and other institutional investors to put money into the UK’s fastest growing, most innovative companies
“Last month, the chancellor announced a package of measures that has the potential to unlock billions of pounds of additional investment for the UK’s fastest growing and most innovative companies, thereby boosting the economy and providing a legacy for future generations of pensioners,” said Louis Taylor, chief executive of the British Business Bank.
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“As we build the capabilities we need to respond to these new opportunities we are fortunate to have recruited such a strong talent for the bank. I am delighted that we will benefit from Leandros’s strong track record in investment management and extensive experience in managing large, complex, private market portfolios.”
Kalisperas said: “I am thrilled to be joining the British Business Bank to lead its investment teams at such a pivotal moment in its development. The bank’s dedication to fostering economic growth across the UK is already evident in its strong investment capabilities in both London and Sheffield. I look forward to collaborating with our partners to further enhance these efforts and align with the evolving needs of private capital.”
Additionally, the British Business Bank announced that it has established a new entity, BBB Patient Capital Advisory Services, and Ian Connatty has been appointed its first managing partner, with immediate effect.
The role is responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the British Growth Partnership, overseeing its operational management and regulatory compliance, and spearheading fundraising and investor relations activities.
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As managing partner, Ian will also serve on the BBB Patient Capital Advisory Services board, contributing to the Partnership’s governance and strategic oversight.
“Ian has been instrumental in building British Patient Capital’s extensive track record, market access and position as the UK’s largest domestic investor in venture and venture growth,” said Taylor.
“I am delighted that he is taking on the role of managing partner, British Growth Partnership to help unlock hundreds of millions of pounds of domestic investment for the UK’s high growth businesses.”
Connatty said: “It is an honour to be taking on the role of managing partner, British Growth Partnership at such an exciting time for the bank. I look forward to establishing and building the British Growth Partnership, as we work towards a regulated business, with the aim of making investments by the second half of 2025.”
Prior to joining British Patient Capital in 2018, Connatty joined the bank’s predecessor, Capital for Enterprise in 2009 and was part of the team who set up the bank.
