Leandros Kalisperas Joins as Chief Investment Officer
Starting in January 2025, Leandros Kalisperas will assume the position of Chief Investment Officer, overseeing all investment activities at the British Business Bank, including the Bank’s commercial subsidiaries, British Business Investments and British Patient Capital. His portfolio will encompass the Nations and Regions Investment Funds, the Enterprise Capital Funds programme, and investments for the upcoming British Growth Partnership.
Kalisperas brings two decades of experience in investment management, previously serving as CIO at the West Yorkshire Pension Fund and holding senior roles at abrdn and the Universities Superannuation Scheme. His expertise aligns with the Bank’s broader mandate to deploy its £7.9 billion commercial programme with enhanced flexibility to meet market needs, following recent government initiatives.
Louis Taylor, CEO of British Business Bank, said,
“We are fortunate to have recruited such a strong talent for the Bank. Leandros’s extensive experience in managing large, complex portfolios will be invaluable as we shape a new future for our investment business.”
Leandros Kalisperas added,
“I am thrilled to be joining the British Business Bank at such a pivotal time. The Bank’s commitment to fostering growth across the UK resonates with me, and I look forward to leading our teams to further amplify these efforts.”
Ian Connatty Appointed as Managing Partner of British Growth Partnership
Ian Connatty steps into the role of Managing Partner for BBB Patient Capital Advisory Services, a new advisory entity supporting the British Growth Partnership. With his appointment, Connatty will oversee the strategic direction of the Partnership, managing fundraising, investor relations, and regulatory compliance.
Connatty, who has served as the British Business Bank’s Deputy Chief Investment Officer, has played a vital role in establishing British Patient Capital as the UK’s largest domestic venture growth investor. His new responsibilities will enable him to channel significant domestic investment into high-growth UK businesses as part of the British Growth Partnership.
Louis Taylor commented,
“Ian’s contributions have been instrumental to our success. His leadership in this new role will be key to unlocking hundreds of millions of pounds of investment for the UK’s high-growth sectors.”
Ian Connatty remarked,
“It is an honour to lead the British Growth Partnership at such an exciting time for the Bank. I look forward to establishing a robust, regulated platform to drive impactful investments in the years ahead.”
About the British Business Bank
The British Business Bank, founded in 2014, serves as the UK government’s economic development bank. Its mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK, supporting the transition to a net-zero economy by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. The Bank’s core programmes now facilitate over £17.4 billion in financing, reaching nearly 64,000 smaller businesses across the UK.
Alongside its investment programs, the Bank operates the Finance Hub, an online resource offering impartial advice, expert guides, and tools to help smaller businesses successfully navigate their funding options. Previously, the Bank administered the government’s critical Coronavirus loan schemes and the Future Fund, which together delivered £80.4 billion in finance to 1.67 million businesses, supporting the UK economy throughout the pandemic.
As a public limited company wholly owned by HM government, the British Business Bank remains dedicated to enhancing the financial landscape for UK businesses. For a detailed look at its operations and subsidiaries, please visit british-business-bank.co.uk.