Clearwater International hires head of London team

Global corporate finance advisory firm Clearwater International is set to strengthen its presence in London with the appointment of a new managing partner, as well as a move to larger premises in the city.

Christopher Jones joins as managing partner and head of London to lead the ongoing development of its 35-strong team in the capital.

He brings two decades of specialist mid-market corporate finance expertise across travel and leisure, e-commerce and consumer brands, working on over 60 deals with a combined deal value of over €3bn (£2.6bn).

Jones joins from the global consumer team of Houlihan Lokey. Having started his career at EY, he spent eight years at Arrowpoint Advisory before joining Altium Capital (now Houlihan Lokey) in 2013. 

His appointment will reportedly allow managing partner Marcus Archer to expand his leadership role working alongside UK CEO Mark Taylor and devote more time to leading private equity coverage internationally, in addition to driving the sector focused approach to M&A across the UK. 

In the new year, the London team will also move from its current base in Chandos Place, Covent Garden to larger offices at the newly refurbished 11 The Strand.

The firm said Jones’ arrival and the office move will support its growth in the region, with its UK business advising on 68 transactions worth a combined €4bn (£3.5bn) in the latest financial year ending March 2022. The UK team also advised on 23 buyouts and 18 private equity exits during the period.

Mark Taylor, UK CEO of Clearwater International, said: “In challenging times management teams, sponsors and funders demand the best advice, which is why we’re constantly investing to attract and develop the highest calibre talent in the UK and internationally. Christopher’s appointment will provide us with additional leadership within the UK as well as heading up the Consumer team across Europe. 

“This is an exciting period for our business as we continue to look to invest in strategically important sectors and service lines. These plans and the Clearwater brand are enabling us to attract some of the best talent within our industry.” 

Jones added: “I have long admired Clearwater and I’m incredibly proud to be joining this highly ambitious advisory firm at a time when it is growing on all fronts, both nationally and globally. 

“This investment in the new office and the expansion of the London team will help strengthen our relationships with private equity, which now accounts for more than half of all transactions across the business, as we consolidate our reputation as independent, trusted advisors to entrepreneurs, investors and corporates.”