The firm has shuffled its leadership team in an effort to grow its various business lines across the world.

Savills Investment Management, the real estate-focused fund manager, has announced a spread of appointments to its senior management team in a bid to bolster its global footprint. 

Chairman and chief executive Justin O’Connor will relocate to Hong Kong “to drive growth in the region” where he will also act as CEO of its Asia-Pacific operation, the firm said. The region, where Savills IM has five offices, “is an important part of the firm’s long-term growth strategy,” the group added.

Meanwhile, Nick Cooper, who joined in January last year as a senior advisor, has been appointed deputy chairman with oversight of global investor services, focusing on client relationships.

Giuseppe Oriani, current head of Italy, will become CEO of Savills IM’s European business, leading its 13 offices and 250 staff.

Harry de Ferry Foster, fund manager of the firm’s charities property fund, and Jon Crossfield, head of strategic partnerships in Europe, have been named co-heads for the UK. 

Carolina von Groddeck, who in recent years has overseen the liquidation of the firm’s German SEB mutual funds, becomes head of Germany and will be responsible for growing the business in this market.