The King’s Cross Group strengthens Board and Executive team

The King’s Cross Group (formerly known as King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership) has strengthened its board with the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors by the estate’s majority investor, Australian Super, as the phased transition of management responsibilities for the estate begins.

Currently non-executive director on boards of Willmott Dixon Holdings and Thriving Investment, and a senior adviser to Systemiq and CBRE, Julie Hirigoyen brings a wealth of experience in built environment sustainability. She was previously CEO of the UK Green Building Council and will chair the King’s Cross Group’s Environmental and Sustainability Committee. Caroline Wehrle is a governance, risk and compliance specialist who spent 16 years at Diageo, becoming Global Head of Risk and Compliance. She now serves on major UK public sector boards including as Chair of Audit and Governance for NHS Property Services and Aster Group. Caroline will chair the Group’s Risk and Audit Committee.

Paul Clark, who recently retired from his Executive role at Australian Super, will continue as a Non-Executive Director, retaining his expertise and extensive experience in investment and capital allocation.

These appointments enhance the Board’s diversity, both in skills and outlook, balancing deep institutional knowledge of the estate’s evolution with fresh perspectives on the opportunities and requirements that will shape King’s Cross’s next chapter.

With the King’s Cross development now nearing completion, and as part of a long-term succession plan, The King’s Cross Group and Related Argent have agreed to transition asset management responsibilities for the estate. The King’s Cross Group will take over dedicated management of King’s Cross in a phased process, which is underway and expected to complete later this year. Members of Related Argent who work the majority of their time on King’s Cross have been invited to join King’s Cross Group. This will preserve the knowledge and market-leading management that have underpinned the success of the estate to date. Related Argent will continue its role as the development partner for The King’s Cross Group.

Stephen Hubbard, Chair of King’s Cross Group, said: “This is a pivotal moment for The King’s Cross Group as we establish the leadership and capabilities of a new business dedicated to unlocking the estate’s long-term potential. Under the leadership of our new CEO, Leo Shapland, and with a strengthened Board and Executive team in place, the transition of asset management from Related Argent lays the foundation for the next chapter of King’s Cross.

“I’m delighted to welcome the new members of our Executive and Board. Their expertise in sustainability, governance, investment, people and technology brings real momentum to our ambition to maintain King’s Cross’s position as a world-leading, resilient, innovative and inclusive destination.

“I would like to recognise the transformative role Related Argent has played over the past 25 years. Its vision and commitment have created a powerful legacy at King’s Cross – one we are proud to build on as we take forward the long-term stewardship of this remarkable place.”

Tom Goodall, Chief Executive Director of Related Argent added: ‍“In March 2000, Argent (now Related Argent) was selected as the development partner to lead the redevelopment of King’s Cross. Fast forward 25 years, and what was an underused industrial site has been transformed and rejuvenated into one of the most successful redevelopments in the world.

“As the estate nears completion, now is the natural time to hand over the asset management. I would like to thank every single person – past and present – who has been involved in the development of this incredible place. I wish Leo Shapland and the King’s Cross Group team the very best as they step in to shape the future of the estate.

“Related Argent will be focused on our major regeneration scheme at Brent Cross Town, our build-to-rent (BtR) portfolio at Author King’s Cross, Tottenham Hale and Brent Cross Town, as well as exploring new development opportunities. We look forward to continuing to work with The King’s Cross Group on development activities across a range of projects.”

In addition to the new Board appointments, The King’s Cross Group has strengthened its executive team with two new leadership hires, who will join the existing team of Leo Shapland as Chief Executive Officer and Ross McCall as Chief Operating Officer. New People Director, Liz Mulkerrin, brings 25 years’ experience in people strategy and organisational transformation and also serves as a People Adviser to Commonwealth Games England. Xavier Walker, Digital, Data & Technology Director, brings more than two decades’ experience delivering large-scale digital transformation across complex businesses, including Hilton EMEA, British Land, Westfield and DHL.