Pioneer Group has recruited Chris Walters, JLL's UK head of life sciences, while JLL has appointed Chris Valentine as head of strategic clients London and head of science and innovation agency, CoStar News can reveal.
In his expanded role, JLL said Valentine will focus on delivering strategic leasing advice for life sciences clients and those with specialist technology needs. He joined JLL in 2014 and has led the central London agency team since 2021. JLL said he brings substantial experience in delivering large projects across London and will now broaden his focus to the wider UK market.
Valentine said a statement: “This role allows me to build upon our strategic client relationships and drive innovation in the way we serve this dynamic market."
Alistair Meadows, Head of Life Sciences & Alternatives, Capital Markets EMEA, added: "Chris's appointment is a significant step in strengthening our position in the science and innovation sector. By aligning our leasing advisory services with our capital markets expertise, we are uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive solutions to our clients.”
Chris Walters, who has led UK life sciences at JLL since 2021, will leave the firm to join Pioneer Group in the New Year.
JLL announced the appointment of director Chris Walters as head of its life sciences team in 2021. Walters will took over from Glenn Crocker.
Walters, who had been with JLL over 10 years, joined the life sciences team as its investor and developer lead when it was formed in 2019. He has experience working with NHS Trusts, academic and research institutions, local authorities and private sector clients covering private equity, institutional capital and sovereign wealth.
Pioneer was formed by merging existing accelerators BioCity and Knowledge Factory with Trinity, a collection of privately owned real estate companies targeting "impact" investments in the UK and Ireland. Partners include major global investors such as Angelo Gordon, Starwood Capital and Harrison Street as well as Lloyds Bank and Santander.
The specialist life sciences developer and Angelo Gordon have a consent for a labs, retail and leisure redevelopment of the Grafton Centre shopping centre in the middle of Cambridge. Earlier this year Pioneer teamed up with Oxford Science Enterprises and the Crown Estate for an £125 million redevelopment of the former Debenhams in Oxford.