DTZ’s European investment management arm has been rebranded and recruited new staff.

The newly-named DTZ Investors combines the firm’s existing investment and asset management divisions.

Chris Cooper, formerly head of UK investment management and now CEO of DTZ Investors, said the rebrand reinforces its independence within the DTZ group.

Richard Cooper has joined from pensions consultancy AonHewitt as director of business development and strategy, based in London. He has also worked at LaSalle Investment Management.

Jean Blondel, formerly head of property at Amundi, has been appointed managing director in Paris.

Cyril Zaprilla and Camille Hurel have joined as head of retail asset management and head of legal, respectively. Zaprilla was previously head of investment at Corio and also directed retail at Generali. Hurel was a senior associate in real estate at Herbert Smith Freehills.

Last year, the firm appointed Alban Liss as president of its French team.

Cooper said the firm’s business had grown over the past five years, with £7bn (€8bn) of assets under management and 100 staff.