Tony Horrell, the new CEO of Colliers International UK, will make beefing up the advisory firm’s London team and boosting its client base his top priorities for the near term.

Horrell, who joined Colliers from Jones Lang LaSalle late last year following a 10-month sabbatical, told PropertyEU at MIPIM that following a three-month evaluation period, he would focus on boosting the firm’s London transactions and leasing team. ‘We need more strength and depth,’ he said. Fifteen new senior appointments are planned and Horrell is currently in talks with three people with whom he hopes to reach an agreement next month.

Broadening Colliers’ client base was another top priority, Horrell said. The firm is seeking to add more REITs, pension funds, life insurers and overseas property owners to its books. It also aims to increase the international dimension of its client base, which is currently largely domestic.

Horrell said he expected to see more activity in the near future from Canadian pension funds, Asian investors and Norwegian players. 'Basically, anyone smart enough to adapt to where the money is coming from.'