The Crown Estate has appointed Oliver Smith as head of St James’s, part of its central London portfolio.
Smith has been promoted from head of investment for central London and will report directly to James Cooksey, director of central London. He has spent more than eight years with the company, working across its offices holdings and development pipeline.
The Crown Estate owns around half the buildings in St James’s, totalling around 4m sq ft, which includes St James’s Market, its £450m joint venture with Oxford Properties.
In the coming year, Smith and his team will launch the new Princes Arcade, a revival of the traditional shopping arcade, and complete the redevelopment of Duke’s Court, a £100m mixed-use office and retail development on Jermyn Street.
Smith said: “[St James’s] is one of London’s most historic neighbourhoods, with a rich heritage that sets it apart from other destinations. Together with the team, I will continue to build on the great work that has already taken place and ensure St James’s is a one-of-a-kind destination for the future.”
Cooksey said: “Oliver’s appointment recognises the significant contribution he has made to the St James’s team and the wider business over the past eight years. The St James’s portfolio is in a fantastic position and this provides a great platform for Oliver to build even greater success for the portfolio.”
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