People Behind Coworking: Talent and Leadership Moves – July 2026
Throughout July 2026, the coworking and flexible workspace industry continued to see a steady flow of leadership appointments, promotions and departures. From executive-level transitions to commercial, operational and community-focused roles.
Leadership moves – Top executives
WeWork appointed Jigar Shah as Chief Information Officer. Having led the company’s technology transformation since 2023, he now officially takes on the executive role, overseeing WeWork’s global technology strategy. Jigar will be a Speaker at Coworking Europe 2026 in Paris.
(re)space strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Charlène Crespel as Chief Operating Officer. Previously CEO at BeCentral, Charléne joins (re)space as the Belgian operator continues to expand its hospitality-led flexible workspace model. Charléne was a Speaker at Coworking Europe Conference 2024 in Sofia.
Engel & Völkers Work Edition appointed David Bongard as Managing Director alongside Christian Roßbach. Having helped build the business operationally, Bongard will now lead the premium workspace brand through its next phase following its full integration into Engel & Völkers.
Former IWG City Manager Amsterdam Mohamed Chikh joined ROOMS by HOFF as General Manager of the UP building in Amsterdam, where he will oversee both operations and the strategic development of the ROOMS concept.
Leadership moves – Strategic roles
Argyll announced two senior leadership appointments. Frankie Chrysanthou joined as Commercial Director, bringing more than 25 years of experience across flexible workspace and commercial real estate, while Michaela Wrede was promoted to Marketing Director and joined the company’s Executive Team.
Knotel promoted Nick Hill to Sales & Partnerships Director, where he will lead the company’s sales function and strengthen strategic partnerships.
Canvas Offices appointed Kit Naidoo as Finance Director, supporting the operator’s continued expansion in the UK and internationally.
Office Freedom strengthened its commercial team with two appointments. Duran Beck joined as Sales & Marketing Executive, while Ayo Oratokhai arrived from Tally Workspace as Senior Central Sales Executive.
Mindspace announced two leadership developments. Meital Belgazal stepped into the role of Regional Lead, supporting multiple locations across the operator’s portfolio, while Ashley Almonte was promoted to US Marketing Lead following nearly two years overseeing marketing across its US locations.
Second Home appointed William Garrett Levy as Fractional Sales Director following six years at Argyll, while Victoria Fischer joined Zoku as Commercial Director after four and a half years with Penta Hotels.
Spacebring appointed João Pedro Vieira as Account Executive to support its expansion across North America and Latin America, while Flexspace AI welcomed former OfficeRnD professional Brandon Hewitt as Business Development Lead.
The Instant Group also saw a leadership departure, with Katri Tuori leaving her position as Director – Operator Solutions, EMEA after working closely with flexible workspace operators across the region.
Silversquare also marked a departure, with Marketing Leader Laurence Doucet joining one of the leading Padel sport facilities operator in Belgium, tero after nearly seven years with the coworking operator.
Katri and Laurence were both Speakers at Coworking Europe Conference 2025, in Berlin.
Spliit also announced an internal leadership transition. As Gauthier Bongrand assumed the role of Head of Sales, long-time partner Paul Grandchamp des Raux moved into a new position focused on business development, client relationships and the company’s Sales & Investment division.
Additional moves across the coworking ecosystem
Several operators strengthened their operational, sales and community teams during the month.
Capital C Amsterdam appointed Kevin de Jong as Marketing Manager, while Utopicus promoted Carolina Gorospe Santodomingo to Space Manager after more than four years with the company.
Work & Share named Marine Girard Site Manager of its new Villejuif location, succeeding her previous role at the operator’s Colombes workspace. My Office appointed Perline Ducas as Office Manager of its new Castel Med Park development in southern France.
Snapdesk welcomed back Elena Belhassen as Property Manager, while Swedish THE WORKS expanded its operations team with the appointments of Mira Engström and Lova Gifvas as Facility Managers.
Office marketplace LiquidSpace saw Samantha Shea announce her departure after four years supporting operators across six continents as Strategic Partnerships Senior Manager.
Avila Spaces appointed award-winning Portuguese trumpeter Luís Martelo as Ambassador of the newly launched Avila Music Club, leading the curation of its community music programme.
Many of these industry leaders have been long-time speakers and supporters of Coworking Europe, something we’re truly grateful for, and we wish them all the very best in their next chapter.
Pic Source: Linkedin (from left to right: Michaela Wrede, Jigar Shah, Mohamed Chikh, Charlène Crespel)
