GIA is pleased to announce 13 promotions across the business, including the advancement of two senior team members to Senior Director and one to Director.
These promotions, across both our fee-earning and operations teams, reflect the strength and depth of talent within GIA. They mark an important step in our journey and reinforce our ability to deliver innovative, practical solutions for the built environment.
Two of our Directors – Aaron Morris and Michael Beatty – are being recognised as Senior Directors. This recognises the leadership they provide to their teams, the trust they have built with clients, and the significant contribution they make to the wider direction of the business.
Aaron leads our party wall and neighbourly matters service, while Michael oversees our rights of light, daylight and sunlight services across all regions outside London.
Meet our new Director, Jacopo Francisconi
Jacopo is based in London and joined GIA in 2016. With a strong commitment to sustainability, he supports developers’ and architects’ visions by optimising the quality of daylight and sunlight within the built environment. Known for his problem-solving approach, Jacopo works closely with clients to navigate complex design challenges while delivering clear, practical solutions.
Alongside his project work, Jacopo is also a driving force within the business, challenging the status quo and helping to shape the future direction of the team through new ideas, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach.
Over the years, he has worked on a wide range of large masterplans and regeneration schemes, as well as several high-profile developments, including Canada Water, the Wembley Masterplan, 55 Bishopsgate and 1 Undershaft.
Before joining GIA, Jacopo studied Building Engineering and Architecture at the University of Bologna and has more recently completed an MBA.
We also extend our congratulations to our colleagues on their well-deserved promotions:
In Birmingham…
- Ellis Smith to Senior Associate Director
- Emily Whitehurst to Senior Design Analyst
In London…
- Ketki Bhagwat to Senior Design Analyst
- Miles Clark to Senior Design Analyst
- Sam McKinstry to Surveyor
In Manchester…
- Ed Portlock to Senior Associate Director
- Heather Aspinall to Surveyor
We are also proud to celebrate promotions within our operations team, recognising the important role they play in driving technology, innovation, and the continued development of our business:
- Faizan Amjad to Software Development Manager
- James Brennan to Legal Executive
- Yesid Oketunde to IT Engineer
Speaking of the promotions, our CEO Sam Wallis, said:
“I’m incredibly proud to see our colleagues step into these well-deserved roles. Their progression strengthens our leadership and ensures we continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients”.
Congratulations to everyone – we look forward to celebrating your achievements with you. These promotions take effect from 1 April 2026.