JLL has appointed Aaron Knight as director in its debt and structured finance business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), with immediate effect.

Aaron Knight

Aaron Knight

Knight joins from global investment management firm PGIM Real Estate where he was executive director responsible for European debt origination.

He brings over 20 years of industry experience, having held senior roles in leading corporations across Europe and Australia.

Michael Kavanau, head of debt and structured finance for EMEA at JLL, said: 'With Aaron’s appointment, we are strengthening our ability to advise our clients on their debt and structured finance strategies and the opportunities they can access in times of heightened global uncertainty.

'While debt markets are stabilising, lenders have generally retained a defensive posture, and continue to place greater scrutiny on leverage, sector, asset profile and cash flows relative to the pre-Covid era.

'There has never been a more important time for us to help our clients re-imagine the future of their portfolios as they embark and prepare for the recovery. Aaron’s exceptional expertise and cross-regional experience will be crucial as we continue to scale our debt business in the region.'

At JLL, Knight will work closely with the existing debt and structured finance team under Kavanau's leadership to continue the expansion of JLL’s debt advisory capabilities in EMEA.

Knight commented: 'I am excited to join JLL at such an unprecedented time for the industry. Headwinds to the recovery are gradually subsiding and the stabilisation of debt markets will pave way for the recovery of real estate.'