The British Business Bank has appointed Leandros Kalisperas as its new chief investment officer, effective January 2025.
The British Business Bank has confirmed the appointment of Leandros Kalisperas as its chief investment officer, a role he will assume in January 2025. With an impressive track record spanning 20 years in financial services, Kalisperas has held senior positions at the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, abrdn, and the Universities Superannuation Scheme. His broad expertise encompasses banking, pensions, and asset management.
In his new position, Kalisperas will oversee the Bank’s entire investment portfolio, which includes its crucial commercial subsidiaries: British Business Investments and British Patient Capital. Moreover, his duties will extend to the management of newly initiated programmes such as the Nations and Regions Investment Funds and the Enterprise Capital Funds programme. He will also be instrumental in sourcing and executing investments for the nascent British Growth Partnership.
Louis Taylor, CEO of the British Business Bank, highlighted the significance of Kalisperas’s appointment in light of recent measures announced by the Chancellor. These measures promise to unleash substantial investments into the UK’s burgeoning businesses, thereby energising economic growth and establishing a robust legacy for future pensioners. Taylor expressed confidence in Kalisperas’s ability to steer these investment strategies effectively.
Commenting on his new appointment, Kalisperas stated, ‘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.’
In a concurrent development, the Bank has instituted the BBB Patient Capital Advisory Services to spearhead the newly formed British Growth Partnership. Ian Connatty has been designated the managing partner of this entity, with responsibilities encompassing strategic development, operational management, and regulatory compliance. Connatty, previously the deputy chief investment officer, is set to commence his new role immediately, with aspirations to launch subsequent investments by mid-2025, subject to regulatory endorsement. His remarks reflect an eagerness to build the Partnership into a regulated entity capable of making impactful investments. ‘It is an honour to be taking on the role of managing partner, British Growth Partnership at such an exciting time for the Bank,’ he said. ‘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.’
These strategic appointments at the British Business Bank highlight its commitment to advancing investment capabilities and supporting UK economic growth.
