GLOBAL - AFIRE, Aon Risk Solutions, Invesco, Cornerstone, Savills, Infrared Capital, Bishopsfield Capital, Reznick Group

AFIRE - Barbara Knoflach, chief executive at Frankfurt-based SEB Asset Management, has taken over as chairman of AFIRE, the association that represents the interests of foreign investors in US real estate. Knoflach was previously deputy chairman and takes over from outgoing chairman Ian Hawksworth, chief executive at London-based Capital & Counties Properties.

Aon Risk Solutions - The global risk management business of Aon Corporation has appointed Jason Caya as account executive for the San Francisco office. He will be responsible for supporting Aon's expansion in the San Francisco real estate industry and focus on generating new business, as well as providing client service and risk management advice. Caya moved from the company's headquarters in Chicago, where he served as an account executive for real estate clients.

Invesco - Invesco has named Sergio Trezzi and Miguel Rona as co-heads of the retail business in Continental Europe. Trezzi, who will take additional responsibility for retail activities in Germany, Austria, Benelux and the Nordics, joined Invesco in 1999, leading the rollout of the Invesco Powershares ETF brand in Continental Europe. Rona joined in 2000 and is currently responsible for retail business in Spain, Portugal and Latin America. He will take additional responsibility for retail activities in Switzerland and France.

Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers - Mark S Higgins has joined the investment advisory firm as president, overseeing debt and equity real estate investments in North America. Higgins, who joined the firm in 1996 and who was most recently chief investment officer, will chair Cornerstone's direct real estate investment committee and continue to create and implement investment strategies on behalf of clients.

Savills - William Gould is set to become head of the company's Italian office, while Lionello Rosina, who has led the Italian operation for seven years, will remain as a consultant. Gould, currently a senior investment director who joined Savills in 2009, will continue to service Savills investment clients, while also managing and expanding the Italian business from Milan.

Infrared Capital Partners - The recently spun-out real estate and infrastructure investment division of HSBC has named Simon Stringer as head of financial management in the finance team. Meanwhile, Cedric Vallin joins as investment executive within the origination team, while Keith Butcher joins as investment director within the asset management team. Stringer joins from Frogmore, where he spent two years working as a fund accountant. Vallin joins from AEW Europe in London, where he spent four years on the investment team. Butcher joins from Threadneedle Property Investments, where he spent six years in the asset management team.

Bishopsfield Capital Partners - The European structured finance firm has recruited Arjan van Bussel as a new partner. Van Bussel joins from the Royal Bank of Scotland, where he was responsible for European commercial real estate transactions in the structured finance team.

Reznick Group - The business advisory firm has appointed Richard Hollowell as managing director and Christopher Ganan as manager in real estate financial institution and litigation consulting services.

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