NORTH AMERICA – US financial services and investment firm Guggenheim Partners has appointed its first head of real estate and direct investment for Europe.

Former Heron International deputy chief executive Jonathan Goldstein will now manage the firm’s expansion into the market.

Working from the London office, Goldstein will be responsible for leading Guggenheim’s movement into the real estate and infrastructure markets, in both the UK and Continental Europe.

His focus will be on identifying long-term investments and partnerships, expanding European investing and sourcing above-market real estate and infrastructure opportunities for clients.

Guggenheim said the appointment signified a milestone in its expansion in the real estate and infrastructure asset classes.

Henry Silverman, Guggenheim’s head of global real estate and direct investment, said Goldstein’s knowledge of direct investment, finance and experience in law made him ideal for the position.

Goldstein said: “A real opportunity exists to build a substantial presence in the UK and Continental European real estate markets.

“I look forward to helping the firm to discover and develop opportunities throughout Europe.”

At Heron International, Goldstein was responsible for managing assets through Europe, as well as the group’s finances and other activities.

Previously, he built a career in the legal sector at Olswang, as chief executive for nine years, after becoming the youngest senior partner of a City law firm.