The Crown Estate has announced that Vivienne King will become its new head of legal covering the urban, marine, rural and Windsor estate businesses.
King, who takes up the role on 31 March, replaces David Harris, who will take on the role of deputy until his retirement in 2007.
Previously at Herbert Smith, King joined The Crown Estate in 1994, becoming deputy head of legal in 1998.
Roger Bright, chief executive of The Crown Estate said: “I think it is quite fitting at this moment in The Crown Estate’s development that Vivienne takes up the lead role in driving forward the strategic legal change programme.
“Under David’s leadership, excellent foundations have been made that position the legal function in a more integral role in our business development.”
Commenting on her appointment, King said: “By working closely with our appointed legal advisers, we can manage the legal risks we face and provide an improved service for our customers, all contributing to our ambition of being a landlord of choice.”
The Crown Estate, valued at more than £5bn, includes substantial blocks of urban property, over 300,000 acres of agricultural land in England, Scotland and Wales, and around half the foreshore, together with the seabed out to the 12 mile territorial limit.
References: EGi Legal News 15/03/06
