BNP Paribas Real Estate opens new Glasgow office in Scottish expansion

French bank BNP Paribas’ real estate division has expanded its Scottish operation with the opening of a new office in Glasgow following the recruitment of three senior retail experts from competitors JLL.

The new office strengthens BNP Paribas Real Estate’s presence and client offering in Scotland, building, as it does, on the firm’s existing teams in Edinburgh and the north of England.

BNP Paribas Real Estate UK CEO John Slade said: “We are in the middle of a major growth plan and recruitment drive in the UK, and this new office is an excellent addition to our business. It will be of great benefit to our clients and is a key part of our strategy to expand our retail business across the UK. The arrival of the new retail team is also an important milestone, with the sector being one of our key focus areas for both the UK and Europe.”

“The Glasgow office further strengthens our Scottish business, led by Gavin Willins, and boosts our coverage in this key market. We will continue to recruit talented individuals across all business lines, sectors and regions, with special focus on retail, investment, industrial, corporate real estate and residential.”

Douglas Hogg, David Simmons and Alexandra Savelli start working in the new Glasgow office today, with Mr Hogg leading the team in Glasgow, where BNP Paribas Real Estate’s retail agency director Frank Montgomery will also be placed.

Mr Hogg, who worked for JLL/King Sturge for seven years and Scottish retail specialist Hamilton Glenn for 17 years, said: “These are exciting times for the business and Scotland’s retail market, with opportunities for landlords, developers and retailers. The market is also becoming more international in its nature and, being part of a global bank, BNP Paribas Real Estate is in a unique position to work alongside an extensive network of companies and brands from all around the world.”

Mr Simmons, who has been appointed as a director, has been working in Scotland’s retail and leisure market since 1999.

BNP Paribas Real Estate has recently announced a raft of appointments including a new out of town retail associate director, three new directors to the West End agency team, three new recruits in valuation and several regional appointments.