Leumi UK appoints portfolio director of hotels team

Specialist lender Leumi UK, the British subsidiary of Israel’s international financial group, has announced the appointment of Tony Burnell as a portfolio director for the company’s hotel finance desk. 

It is reported that Burnell has over 40 years of experience at Lloyds, nearly 17 years of which he spent as relationship director for Lloyds’ hotels team. He is also said to bring an “impressive” breadth of experience to his new role. 

According to the company, Burnell’s commitment and insight will be “a valuable asset in supporting Leumi UK’s portfolio with the most precise knowledge and expertise across the hospitality sector”.

Louise Gillon, head of hotel finance at Leumi UK, said: “Tony’s 41-year tenure at Lloyds has given him an unmatched depth and breadth of experience in the hotel sector and we’re very much looking forward to having him onboard with our expert team. 

“His impressive understanding of the market will bring an exciting new dimension to the company and add additional support for our clients who are looking to invest in the sector. We’re very lucky to have such an accomplished hotel specialist to ensure that new business is embedded into Leumi UK.”

Burnell added: “This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of Leumi UK’s well-established hotel finance team. My career at Lloyds is something I’m very proud of, but I’ve long admired Leumi UK’s expert hotels team and I’m looking forward to working with them. 

“The hotels sector has had a turbulent time since 2020 but it’s been great to see the industry get back on its feet and lending activity pick up again.”