The co-founder of Exemplar Properties, Daniel Van Gelder, has been elected as chairman of the Westminster Property Association.
Previously vice chairman of the WPA, Van Gelder replaces Grosvenor’s executive director Giles Clarke in the new role.
He will steer the strategy and represent the views of some 200 members from the real estate sector, including Great Portland Estates and Land Securities.
In addition, Van Gelder will sit on the board of the recently formed West End Partnership, representing the property industry on the Westminster council-led group that brings together London stakeholders to consider the future growth of the West End.
Van Gelder said: “As an industry we face major policy reforms with increasing charges, shrinking resources for planning departments and regulations being passed down nationally and regionally to Westminster.
“We want to continue to support the best planning department in the country and as chairman I will champion our members’ interests and continue to work closely with the planners and politicians to deliver our aims.”
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
