Great Portland Estates Appoints William Eccleshare as Chair Designate

Great Portland Estates Plc (LON:GPE) has announced the appointment of William Eccleshare as a Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate with effect from 1 May 2025. William will succeed Richard Mully as Chair of the Board from the conclusion of the Company’s 2025 Annual General Meeting in July, when Richard will retire from the Board after more than eight years of service.

William Eccleshare brings extensive leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles, with a strong track record in advertising, media, and consumer-focused businesses. He is currently a Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director at Centaur Media plc and Chair of the privately owned digital media business Team ITG. His appointment follows a comprehensive selection process led by GPE’s Senior Independent Director, Nick Hampton.

William’s appointment is expected to provide effective leadership of the Board and great support to Toby Courtauld and the management team, who welcome his appointment. Richard Mully, the outgoing Chair, expressed his delight at William’s selection, highlighting his significant executive and non-executive experience, strong background in marketing, business transformation, growth, and innovation, which will be invaluable to GPE’s Board.

William Eccleshare’s extensive leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles, particularly in advertising, media, and consumer-focused businesses, makes him a strong fit for the position of Chair Designate and future Chair of Great Portland Estates. His diverse background, proven leadership, and alignment with GPE’s strategic objectives can help drive the company’s success in the real estate market.

In conclusion, Great Portland Estates’ appointment of William Eccleshare as Chair Designate is a strategic move that aligns with the company’s commitment to effective leadership and long-term success. With his extensive leadership experience and industry expertise, Eccleshare is well-positioned to guide the company through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the real estate market.