Sir Stuart Hampson is to step down as chairman of the Crown Estate this summer after six years in the role.
Hampson, a former civil servant and chairman of John Lewis for 14 years, is credited with transforming the Crown Estate from a traditional landed estate to a modern progressive business.
During his tenure the Crown Estate, which pays its profit entirely to the Treasury, has increased its return to the nation’s finances by 35% to £285.1m in 2015, totalling £1.5bn since 2010.
The company currently has £12.5bn of assets under management, including Regent Street and the entire UK seabed.
Hampson, who plans to retire, said it had been “an enormous privilege” to hold “one of the best jobs in real estate”.
The Crown Estate is currently seeking a new chairman, who will be appointed by the queen on the advice of the prime minister.
The recruitment process will be led by senior independent director Ian Marcus.
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