Birmingham property consultancy CPBigwood has appointed a new partner.

Brian Bentley has joined the firm's commercial management department and brings 25 years of experience to the agency.

He was recently a senior director of BNP Paribas Real Estate where he managed portfolios for companies such as Sainsbury's and Royal Mail alongside new business development.

Previously, he worked in the corporate sector having been regional property manager for Barclays Bank for a number of years.

He was also head of strategic analysis for BDG McColl in London, working with corporate occupiers and helping to formulate property strategies for companies such as KPMG, BT and media businesses J Walter Thompson and Ogilvy & Mather.

CPBigwood partner Ian McPhillips said: "Brian has 25 years' experience in commercial property, both for large corporates and also private practice.

"He has managed large portfolios and acted for big name clients. His list of contacts is second to none.

"We are very pleased to have him on board and I am sure he will prove a significant asset to our commercial management team."

Mr Bentley added: "I have been watching the growth of CPBigwood with great interest.

"It is a company I admire and, when the opportunity came up, I decided to grab it.

"I hope I can leverage my connections and experience to the benefit of CPBigwood's commercial management division."

The Birmingham Post has launched a free app for iPad and iPhone. Download it here.