The British Business Bank has appointed Leandros Kalisperas (pictured) as its chief investment officer, with responsibility for all of the Bank’s investment activities.
Kalisperas joins the British Business Bank in January 2025 from the West Yorkshire Pension Fund where he is currently chief investment officer.
Prior to that he held senior roles at abrdn and the Universities Superannuation Scheme, bringing 20 years of public and private sector financial services experience across banking, pensions and asset management.
In his role, Kalisperas will take on responsibility for the entirety of the British Business Bank’s investment business which includes the Bank’s two commercial subsidiaries, British Business Investments and British Patient Capital.
His scope will also include the recently launched Nations and Regions Investment Funds, the Enterprise Capital Funds programme, as well as sourcing and delivering investments for the new British Growth Partnership.
Louis Taylor, CEO, British Business Bank said: “Last month, the Chancellor announced a package of measures that has the potential to unlock billions of pounds of additional investment for the UK’s fastest growing and most innovative companies, thereby boosting the economy and providing a legacy for future generations of pensioners.
“As we build the capabilities we need to respond to these new opportunities we are fortunate to have recruited such a strong talent for the Bank.
“I am delighted that we will benefit from Leandros’s strong track record in investment management and extensive experience in managing large, complex, private market portfolios.”
Kalisperas added:“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.”
Further, to facilitate the creation of the new British Growth Partnership, the Bank has established a new entity, BBB Patient Capital Advisory Services, and Ian Connatty has been appointed as its first managing partner, leading its regulated investment advisory and fundraising activities.
Connatty is currently the deputy chief investment officer of the British Business Bank.
He will start in the new role immediately as the British Growth Partnership gears up for launch in 2025 subject to regulatory approval.
The role is responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the Partnership, overseeing its operational management and regulatory compliance, and spearheading fundraising and investor relations activities.
As managing partner, Ian will also serve on the BBB Patient Capital Advisory Services Board, contributing to the Partnership’s governance and strategic oversight.
Connatty said: “It is an honour to be taking on the role of managing partner, British Growth Partnership at such an exciting time for the Bank.
“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.”
