Flexible office provider WeWork has set its sights on the financial services industry with the appointment of former HSBC director Nick Giraudeau as its first head of sales in the sector.
Giraudeau, who was also a partner at Cushman & Wakefield before becoming HSBC’s global head of corporate real estate, will be tasked with growing WeWork’s portfolio of members in banking, investment and finance more broadly.
The company already has a host of financial services members, including HSBC, as well as UBS, City and Standard Chartered.
However, it said this morning that those in the industry “recognise the benefits of WeWork’s offering – from flexible lease commitments to inspiring spaces designed with collaboration in mind”.
Ben Samuels, head of sales internationally at the company, said: “More and more of the world’s leading enterprises are turning to WeWork for our flexibility, global footprint, and inspiring spaces designed to foster productivity and collaboration.
“Nick is an industry expert and brings a wealth of experience in complex, global workplace strategies. His specialist insights will be a real advantage for our existing and new financial services members as they build their future of work plans.”
Giraudeau added: “Having been a firm believer in the WeWork product, and the future of flex for some time, I am delighted to have joined the company at a pivotal moment in workplace history.
“As more businesses take a holistic approach to their workplace strategies, and enterprise companies rethink their business values, it’s an exciting time to join a global market leader in flexible workplace solutions.”
It comes after last week’s reports that the firm was considering rebooting plans to list on the public markets via a special purpose acquisition company.
The Wall Street Journal reported last week that WeWork’s board had been weighing offers from a SPAC affiliated with Bow Capital Management for several weeks. A deal could value WeWork at some $10bn, sources told the paper.
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