The firm says the appointment will help the business expand its core corporate, private client and funds service lines while simultaneously introducing additional ancillary services that benefit clients.
The company, backed by UK private equity firm Dunedin, plans to double its overall size and increase its geographical footprint over the next three to five years.
Mr van Leeuwen said: “Hawksford has a strong leadership team which I look forward to working alongside to deliver the company’s strategic plan. The company has many excellent qualities, including the ability to be flexible and nimble in a busy marketplace delivering rigorous technical expertise. I look forward to harnessing these attributes and building on the established momentum for the next stage of Hawksford’s growth.
“The opportunity to integrate additional service lines and technology into Hawksford will result in best of breed service delivery across all business lines. The objective is to create a ‘one stop shop’ service provider for both new and existing clients around the world reducing cost and inefficiency.”
Mr van Leeuwen’s thirty years of experience includes leadership roles at high profile businesses. Prior to joining Hawksford he was group CEO of Cordium, a market-leading provider of regulatory compliance consulting services to the asset management and securities industry. Cordium delivered strong organic growth and integrated various strategic acquisitions. Cordium was backed by private equity firm Sovereign Capital, which won an industry award for its successful exit from Cordium in 2015.
Philip Taylor, Chairman of Hawksford, said, “We are thrilled that a business leader of Michel’s calibre has been appointed to lead Hawksford. The business is poised for significant growth and his specialist market knowledge and M&A experience will be vital in helping Hawksford to achieve its international ambitions. Acting CEO Michael Powell and CFO Steve Spybey have ensured that Michel will take the reins of a well-structured business that is poised for growth.”