The latest moves, appointments and personnel changes among wealth management and related organisations in the UK, the rest of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and select international locations.

Smart Wealth Asset Management
Switzerland-based Smart Wealth Asset Management AG, an asset manager of AI-driven investment products, has appointed Manuel Ebner, as chairman of the board.

Ebner (pictured) is synonymous with some of biggest names in Swiss financial services, the firm said in a statement. He will bring a deep network from decades working in asset management, as well as rare experience from commercialising AI for more than 25 years. His previous roles have included 13 years as country executive of Bank of America, CEO of BZ Bank, CEO of Artificial Life, and partner at McKinsey & Company.

His AI experience and extensive network will be a valuable addition to the Smart Wealth team, as he will be seeking to grow the firm's international presence. 

“We are in growth mode, and we believe Manuel is integral to this phase of our development as an AI-driven asset management firm,” Mitey said.

Charles Russell Speechlys
International law firm Charles Russell Speechlys has appointed Josh Risso-Gill as partner in its real estate planning team, based in London.

Previously, Risso-Gill worked for eight years at CMS as a partner specialising in planning law and, before that, he was a partner at Nabarro. He has more than 25 years of experience in planning, highway, compulsory purchase and listed building issues.

Risso-Gill gives strategic advice on applications, appeals and the judicial review of planning and development-related decisions on complex and high-profile schemes. He acts for a range of clients across the development sector, including funds, banks, investors, retailers, leisure operators and planning authorities. Risso-Gill has particular expertise on tall office developments in the City of London, large scale regeneration developments, co-living and student accommodation projects, hotel and leisure schemes, data centres and sports stadiums.

“His expertise aligns with a number of the areas of opportunity we are targeting and we are very pleased to welcome him into the team,” Robin Grove, divisional managing partner of construction, real estate and disputes, said. “The London Estates, living sector, data centres, hotels and leisure are all priority areas for us and Josh will bring significant strength to a number of already market-leading teams within the group.”

Risso-Gill’s hire closely follows the appointment of senior consultant and planning expert Kevin Gibbs in January, and demonstrates the firm’s commitment to sustainably growing its construction, real estate and disputes teams.