The British Business Bank has named Leandros Kalisperas as its first chief investment officer, overseeing the Bank’s entire investment portfolio, including British Business Investments, British Patient Capital and the new Nations and Regions Investment Funds.
Leandros joins in January 2025, bringing 20 years of financial expertise across banking, pensions, and asset management.
Leandros Kalisperas said: “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.”
Louis Taylor, chief executive officer, added: “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.”
Additionally, Ian Connatty has been appointed managing partner of British Business Bank Patient Capital Advisory Services to lead the upcoming British Growth Partnership.
Ian, a long-standing member of the Bank, will focus on fundraising, investor relations, and strategic governance ahead of the partnership’s 2025 launch.
Ian Connatty added: “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.”
Louis added: “Ian has been instrumental in building British Patient Capital’s extensive track record, market access and position as the UK’s largest domestic investor in venture and venture growth.
“I am delighted that he is taking on the role of managing partner, British Growth Partnership, to help unlock hundreds of millions of pounds of domestic investment for the UK’s high growth businesses.”
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