JLL names James Buckey head of West End capital markets

JLL has announced the appointment of James Buckey as the head of West End capital markets. James, who joined the business as a graduate in 2005, has spent nearly 20 years working across the Central London office market – with a primary focus on West End capital markets.

James has been involved in many of Central London’s most high-profile investment transactions including the acquisition of Regents Quarter on behalf of Nan Fung, the sale of 16 St James’s Street and 19-26 Dering Street for L&G and the acquisition of The Copyright Building, acting for Union Investment.

Rob Corbett, who has successfully led the 14 strong team for the last five years, will now redirect his focus towards transactional and client work within the Central London markets team.

Julian Sandbach, head of Central London markets at JLL, said: “I would like to thank Rob for his leadership of our West End business for the past five years, guiding us through some challenging times, particularly the pandemic. Throughout his tenure he maintained JLL’s position as a preeminent advisor in London’s West End, representing investors on many of the market’s highest value transactions. He will continue to bring value to JLL and play a key role in the team by servicing clients and undertaking transactions.

“The West End team will continue to benefit from excellent leadership with the appointment of James Buckey. He brings great insight into and understanding of the West End having delivered so many opportunities for our London investor clients for nearly 20 years. JLL has consistently led in offering first class advice to our investor and developer clients across Central London’s dynamic and constantly evolving office markets and his appointment will ensure we continue to grow our capabilities.”

“We are beginning to see improved sentiment from investors, against the background of stabilising interest rates bringing increased certainty, and we expect this to be reflected in investor activity as the year progresses. We anticipate increases in activity to be gradual and incremental and that momentum will build throughout the course of the year.”

Rob Corbett added: “After five enjoyable and rewarding years leading the team it felt the right time to hand over to James Buckey as the natural successor. As the market conditions improve I am eager to focus 100% of my efforts on my clients and deal making. I look forward to supporting James and wish him great success in the new role.”