FRENCH Bank BNP Paribas has expanded its Scottish operation by opening an office in Glasgow.

Three senior retail experts have been hired from property firm JLL to work in the office, which will strengthen its client offer in Scotland and complement its teams in Edinburgh and the north of England.

Douglas Hogg, who leads the Glasgow office, David Simmons and Alexandra Savelli started work yesterday, alongside the bank's real estate agency director Frank Montgomery.

Mr Hogg spent seven years at JLL and King Sturge, which merged in 2011, and 17 with Scottish retail specialist Hamilton Glenn. Mr Simmons, who has been appointed as a director, has been working in Scotland's retail and leisure market since 1999.

John Slade, real estate CEO for BNP Paribas in the UK, said: "We are in the middle of a major growth plan and recruitment drive in the UK, and this new office is an excellent addition to our business.

"It will be of great benefit to our clients and is a key part of our strategy to expand our retail business across the UK. The arrival of the new retail team is also an important milestone, with the sector being one of our key focus areas for both the UK and Europe."

"The Glasgow office further strengthens our Scottish business, led by Gavin Willins, and boosts our coverage in this key market. We will continue to recruit talented individuals across all business lines, sectors and regions, with special focus on retail, investment, industrial, corporate real estate and residential."