Marcus Geddes, Managing Director, Workplace at Landsec, has been elected as Chair of the Westminster Property Association (“WPA”) and for a two-year term will lead its engagement with policymakers and wider advocacy on behalf of central London’s leading property owners, developers, investors and advisors.
Geddes, who previously served as Vice Chair, has over 25 years’ experience in the central London property market, spending 13 years at Savills before joining Landsec in 2011, where he is responsible for its 6 million sq ft London portfolio.
He succeeds Paul Williams, Chief Executive of Derwent London and will be joined by newly appointed Vice Chair James Raynor, Chief Executive, Grosvenor Property UK, following the WPA AGM (19 April).
Marcus Geddes, Chair of Westminster Property Association, said: “It is a tremendous honour for the Board to put their trust in me to lead the organisation as the West End continues to re-establish its economic, cultural and social resilience.
“The WPA plays a vital role in bringing together the public and private sectors to help shape one of the world’s most dynamic and productive city districts.
“To retain its global city status, which underpins Westminster’s success, the city needs continued investment and curation. I look forward to working with our members and partners to address our shared challenges to build social and economic prosperity, whilst delivering a modern, sustainable and inclusive city.”
Paul Williams, former WPA Chair and Chief Executive, Derwent London, added: “It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the organisation over the past two years. The property industry plays a critical role in Westminster’s economic success and is well placed to play an even bigger one in promoting social prosperity within it. I am confident the Association will continue to go from strength-to-strength under Marcus’s leadership.”
The AGM also saw Philippa Lambert, Investment Manager, Royal London Asset Management; Kristy Lansdown, Head of Development, The Crown Estate and Philip Hobley, Head of London Offices, Knight Frank appointed to WPA’s Board, while Emma Lally, Senior Consultant at transport consultancy Momentum, was elected as Chair of WPA’s NextGen Committee.
WPA Chief Executive, Charles Begley, added: “With a dedicated board of industry leaders we are well placed to drive forward important issues on behalf of all our members. I would also like to thank Paul for his successful tenure, which has helped navigate the association through a period of significant change, and left the organisation in rude health.”
Further reading:
Read: Marcus Geddes’ first speech as WPA Chair
Read: WPA 2023 priorities
