This week's London appointments

This week’s round up of London appointments includes Dexters, Lichfields and Secure Trust Bank. Read on to find out more.

Justin King CBE, Dexters

Independent chartered surveyor and estate agent Dexters has appointed prominent businessman Justin King CBE to be the new Chairman of the group.

Justin King is a “highly respected leader” with experience in large consumer-facing businesses for over three decades, serving in senior positions at companies including Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Asda, Häagen-Dazs, PepsiCo, and Mars.

Justin will work closely with Andy Shepherd, CEO of Dexters as the group seeks to accelerate its growth from its existing London-wide network of over 70 offices, and further develop its digital capabilities.

Justin (pictured left) commented: “I am delighted to be joining Dexters at this exciting stage in their development. I have been impressed by the leadership team and the company’s strong culture which puts its customers at the heart of everything they do.

“The group is in a strong financial position reflected by consistent annual revenue growth, strong operating profits, good cash reserves, and proven strategy for expansion through acquisitions, new office openings, and investment in digital development.”

Andy Shepherd, CEO of Dexters (pictured right), added: “We are extremely pleased that Justin King has chosen to join DEXTERS as our new independent Chairman. Justin is highly respected in the city and within the business community, known for his dynamic leadership at Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, and Asda, amongst others.”

Richard Coburn, Lichfields

Planning and development consultancy Lichfields has appointed a new senior director at its London office to expand its economics and strategic advisory team.

Richard Coburn joins from Atkins and brings a wealth of experience in development and infrastructure economics, the preparation of business cases and strategic advisory services.

Chief Executive, James Fennell, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Richard. His economic development work for National Highways, on the Elizabeth line extension proposals and in helping clients secure many millions of pounds of Government funding will extend our reach into these high-demand areas of planning and economics services.”

Commenting on his appointment, Richard Coburn added: “Lichfields has an unmatched reputation in the sector for insight and technical rigour. I’m looking forward to working closely with my new colleagues to secure opportunities from public and private sector clients across our network of offices.”

Richard’s expertise includes his senior role as lead advisor to National Highways Economic Development Programme. He has also led the application for over £300m Government Towns Fund and Levelling Up funding and assessed the economic impacts of extending the Elizabeth Line from Abbey Wood in South-East London to Ebbsfleet and Gravesend in Kent.

Stuart Ayres, Secure Trust Bank

Secure Trust Bank has added further expertise to its commercial finance arm, with the appointment of Stuart Ayres as regional portfolio and structuring director in its London office.

Bringing more than 17 years of finance experience, Stuart has worked with businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large corporates, helping to structure and manage bespoke finance packages and leading multi-bank funding syndications. He joins from Barclays where he spent 15 years as a Relationship Director, delivering finance packages.

At Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, Stuart will be responsible for supporting businesses in London and the South, through the bank’s range of flexible asset-based lending and invoice finance solutions. He will work closely with management teams and other stakeholders to help them to achieve their strategic objectives.

Stuart said: “I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Commercial Finance team at Secure Trust Bank. Over the past eight years the team has made a considerable impact, proving itself to be one of the most knowledgeable lenders in the sector, delivering bespoke finance packages to some of the UK’s most established businesses.”

Richard Foote, regional MD for London and South East at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, added: “We’ve known of Stuart’s knowledge, skill, ability and passion for a long time and we’ve no doubt he will be a great addition to the team. His experience will be invaluable as we look to support our clients through these unprecedented economic times.”

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