LaSalle appoints head of core funds and separate accounts

LaSalle Investment Management has created a post of head of core funds and separate accounts in Europe.

The US firm said Andy Watson was taking up the new role having previously served as international director in the Paris office.

LaSalle said the position was a “key pillar in the realignment” of its European business. Watson will have responsibility both for the company’s existing core funds and separate accounts under management and for growing future business where he is working with the global client services team in raising capital for new funds.

Simon Marrison, head of Europe, said in a statement: “We are seeing a clear trend of core capital looking at Greater Europe as a single region, focusing on the big three markets of the UK, France and Germany.

In the newly reorganised business, Watson becomes a member of LaSalle’s European Management Board reporting to Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, who was recently appointed managing director in Europe.

Watson’s appointment is the latest senior personnel change in recent months at the firm. In another change, Charles Maudsley, former co-head of Europe at Chicago-headquartered LaSalle Investment Management, joined London-listed property company British Land last year.