Michelle Castle joins db5 from Hall & Partners

Castle will also lead the company’s new Chicago office. She was most recently US CEO at Hall & Partners.

Chris Hubble, founding director of db5 (also a former Hall & Partners CEO), said: “We recognise fully that we haven’t and can’t make the kind of impact we want without a truly national presence. Hiring Michelle gives us the benefit of launching immediately with credibility in the competitive Chicago market.”

Castle had worked for Hall & Partners for 14 years, but was only in the US CEO role for a year.

Hall & Partners global chief Vanella Jackson said of her departure: “Michelle has done a fine job as our US CEO, and a great job as the managing partner of the Chicago office. We are grateful to her. It is always sad when things do not work out as planned. I am confident we have strong leadership team in place to pick up the reigns… and [we] are committed to finding the right person to lead the team forward.”