This week's London appointments

Richard Brant, Vevo

Music video network Vevo has announced that Richard Brant will join the company as advanced TV director UK & international.

The newly established role will see Richard support the company’s CTV growth and build on Vevo’s momentum in the advanced TV market.

He joins the team from Dentsu Aegis Network, where he spent two years building out its overarching CTV proposition and vision as director of AV Product.

Prior to this, he spent six years in various roles at Sky, where he was responsible for driving YoY growth for Sky AdVance.

James Cornish, VP of international sales at Vevo, commented: “We’re really looking forward to Richard joining our team.

“This year, Vevo UK celebrates its 10th anniversary and the next decade will see CTV play a defining role in our expansion strategy.

“Richard’s experience building out advanced TV products, particularly from the buyer side, comes at a pivotal time for us as we focus on bringing music video to where our audiences are across CTV.”

David Mountain and Joe Hurley, Crown Agents Bank

Crown Agents Bank has today announced two hires to its executive committee.

David Mountain joins as executive vice president (EVP) and, in a newly created role, head of fintech.

The leadership team is further expanded by Joe Hurley joining as chief commercial officer (CCO).

David will be responsible for M&A and strategy, as well as the use of strategic technology.

He brings over two decades of experience to the role, having been an entrepreneur building Accucard, an online credit card business that was sold to Lloyds TSB and, most recently, as a board member of US-based fintech ProducePay.

Joe will be building the bank’s strategic client coverage and business development.

He was previously senior vice president and member of the management committee at Discover Financial Services, working on M&As such as the acquisition of the Pulse Debit business, Diners Club International and investment in fintech companies.

CEO of Crown Agents Bank, Bhairav Trivedi, commented: “David’s and Joe’s expertise in the finance sector and their impressive network, built up over years of being at the forefront of the fintech scene, place them in the perfect roles for driving forward Crown Agents Bank’s technology-first strategy.

“Particularly in emerging and frontier markets, digital services are a priority, and through David’s and Joe’s leadership, we will continue to achieve - and accelerate - our growth in delivering tech-driven, market-relevant solutions to these often-underserved regions.”

David said: “I’m excited by the innovation in financial services that have emerged over the last 12-18 months and look forward to working with the Crown Agents Bank product teams to develop and add even more new services to our portfolio.”

Joe added: “I am driven by being part of the dynamic growth at Crown Agents Bank. It’s hugely exciting to be joining at a time when Crown Agents Bank is looking at how new innovations can be applied to deliver traditional banking services more efficiently, as well as expand its technology services to offer completely new services that meet the needs of those who have struggled to access financial services.

“Our team will be laser-focused, with a clear product roadmap to target the best-of-breed partners, and I look forward to leading the charge on continuing to drive this forward.”

Iris Zhao-Fiorello, Castleforge Partners

Property investment firm Castleforge Partners has appointed Iris Zhao-Fiorello as head of capital formation and investment solutions.

Iris brings more than 15 years of global experience advising and investing on behalf of sovereign wealth funds, pensions, insurance companies, foundations, and family offices.

She joins Castleforge from global investment and advisory firm GCM Grosvenor where she was managing director of private equity investments.

Prior to GCM, Iris was partner at the Customized Fund Investment Group (CFIG), a business unit of Credit Suisse Group AG that focused on customized private market solutions and was acquired by GCM in 2014.

Brandon Hollihan, founding partner of Castleforge Partners, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Iris to the team.

“Iris’s extensive experience as a limited partner, combined with her deep understanding of the institutional market and success in platform building, brings tremendous insights and value to Castleforge as we strategize our growth over the long-term.”

Iris added: “I have high conviction in Castleforge’s research-driven thematic investment approach as well as on the unique value that its in-house, fully integrated operating platforms bring to the flexible office and multifamily residential sectors in the UK and Europe.

“I look forward to helping Castleforge strengthen our existing partnerships and build new ones with institutional investors globally.”

Charles Terry, ByrneLooby

Engineering consultancy ByrneLooby has appointed Charles Terry as a director of the London office.

Charles is an experienced engineer with a career spanning 23 years. He spent six years as a director in McBains, a construction and property consultancy, where he managed and grew the civil & structural sector.

He commented: “My engineering experience covers all stages of the design process for both new build and regeneration projects across numerous sectors including residential, commercial, retail, educational, leisure and healthcare.

“I am passionate about building and leading teams both technically and professionally. At ByrneLooby, the pillar of investing in our people aligns with my passion for developing talent and combines this with technical excellence in a multi-disciplinary consultancy.

“To tap into our in-house expertise where needed, such as land regeneration services, geotechnics, environmental, and conservation services, creates a holistic, value-add approach for projects and developments. I am looking forward to growing our presence in the buildings sector and reconnecting with past and present colleagues on projects at ByrneLooby.”

Richard Thiemann, UK regional director of Byrne Looby Partners (UK) Ltd, said: “Charles’ expertise in civil and structural projects will help develop and build the London team that has delivered numerous complex projects over the past decade.

“These project highlights include such challenging schemes as the new Park Street Hotel in Cambridge and 11 Berkeley St where a new basement has been installed beneath a live building.

“At ByrneLooby, our passion for sustainable infrastructure design, urban renaissance and regeneration with a dedicated Conservation team set us apart. Charles appointment at our London based office will play a crucial part in achieving our ambitious growth plan for this sector.”