Simon Carter has been appointed as the new president of the British Property Federation, succeeding Jessica Hardman, who has served as president of the federation since July 2024
Simon Carter, chief executive at British Land, has been a member of the BPF Board since 2023. In his new role, which succeeds Jessica Hardman, chief executive and co-founder of Aboria Capital, he will work closely with the chief executive, Melanie Leech, and the vice president, Jo Allen, to drive economic growth and regeneration through real estate.
A wealth of experience in property management
Having served on the Board of British Land since 2018, Simon is responsible for a large portfolio including mixed-use London campuses, urban logistics, and retail parks. He has also overseen a regeneration project at Canada Water, over 53-acres.
Furthermore, Simon has previously served as the chief financial officer of Logicor, and finance director for Quintain.
Simon Carter, chief executive at British Land and BPF president, said: “It is a privilege to take on the role of President of the British Property Federation. Our industry plays a vital role in shaping places and supporting communities across the country, and makes an enormous contribution to the UK economy in creating jobs, unlocking investment and enabling innovation.
“Under Jessica’s leadership the BPF has seen significant success in securing crucial policy interventions and support that will unlock investment into UK real estate. I look forward to building on that strong foundation to ensure the Government fully harnesses the power of our sector.
“I hope that our members will endorse our vision to build an even more powerful new industry body in RE:UK, and look forward to taking the baton from Jessica to oversee that transition during my Presidency.”
The BPF is currently working to reach the government’s 1.5m new homes target, such as calling for extra planning officers in local authorities.
A time of transition
The British Property Federation is currently preparing to vote, along with the Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF) and the Investment Property Forum (IPF), on whether three organisations should merge or not.
If the merger takes place, the new organisation would be called Real Estate: UK (RE:UK).
Melanie Leech, chief executive at the British Property Federation, said: “This is a critical time for our industry as we work with Government to deliver the homes, workspaces and infrastructure needed to reboot the economy and drive growth.
“Simon’s extensive experience and knowledge across finance and development will be invaluable as we manage the twin challenges of helping to shape policy that will unlock investment and accelerate delivery, and – if our members agree – transitioning to a new organisation building on the strengths of the BPF, AREF and IPF.
“I would also like to thank Jessica for her dedication and outstanding leadership over the past year as we have developed and refined our plans for a new body that will represent the full breadth of the real estate sector and amplify our voice.”
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