Savills has hired Colliers head of central London restaurants Josh Leon, who will form part of a new specialist leisure team within the agent’s retail division.
The new team also includes Savills leisure director Carlene Hughes and associate director for central London retail Georgia Egan.
Leon, who was a director at Colliers, will join the firm’s HQ in Margaret Street with associate George Collison. Leon’s start date is in September.
Leon’s work has included advising estates, funds and developers on converting, building and leasing space for restaurant and leisure use. On the occupier side, he has represented chefs, restaurateurs and leisure operators on finding new premises in London and disposing of existing assets.
Alan Spencer, head of UK retail at Savills, said the leisure market is a “significant area of growth in which we will continue to invest”.
Leon said: “For me, Savills has a reputation that is really second-to-none and the senior management’s intent to create this new specialism is serious, ambitious and pioneering.
“I think together we can combine our experiences and expertise with the Savills structure and international reach to create an unrivalled and forward-looking global hospitality and leisure commercial real estate platform.”
Paul Souber, co-head of Colliers’ UK and EMEA retail division, said: “Josh and George have been valued members of our team and we wish them both the best of luck in their new endeavours.
“As always, our clients are our top priority and as such we have agreed that Josh will remain with us until September when replacements will be confirmed, ensuring a seamless handover for our restaurant clients.”
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