Savills has announced the appointment of Jonathan Ainley as head of its Manchester planning team.
Jonathan, who was promoted to director earlier this month, will also sit on the firm’s Northern Planning Management board.
The board comprises the firm’s planning teams in Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle, which collectively make up the wider Planning North team at Savills.
Jonathan joined Savills in 2017 as an associate.
Prior to joining Savills, he spent nine years in local authority as both a planner and senior planner, overseeing plans for major developments in the north.
Jay Patel, who led the Manchester planning team for the previous four years, will continue on the management board with an ongoing focus on growing urban regeneration and mixed-use accommodation.
He will also identify business opportunities for Savills arising from the government’s levelling-up agenda.
Commenting on his new role, Jonathan said: “I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead such a high performing and experienced team.
“Under Jay’s leadership, we have won some excellent projects and developed strong relationships across the region, and this is something we intend to build upon.
“We have a strong breadth of experience and knowledge within the team, complemented of course by the wider Savills network.
“Working more collaboratively with our colleagues in Leeds and Newcastle will help deliver an even higher quality service to clients in the future.”
Jonathan Steele, director and head of Regional Planning at Savills, said: “I would like to congratulate Jonathan on his promotion and his new role, both of which are richly deserved, as well as thanking Jay for his excellent contribution as head of the Manchester team.
“The opportunities to collaborate across a number of sectors and initiatives across the north of the country are significant, and I am sure Jonathan will build on the strong reputations that he and the teams have established over the years to ensure that the service we provide our clients remains the best in class.”
Image: Jonathan Ainley, head of Planning (Manchester), Savills. Credit: Savills
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