GPE appoints new chair designate
Great Portland Estates (GPE) has announced the appointment of William Eccleshare as a non-executive director and chair designate, effective from May 1st.
He will succeed Richard Mully, who retires as chair of the board after more than eight years of service.
Eccleshare has leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles. He is currently a non-executive director and senior independent director at Centaur Media and Chairman of Team ITG, a privately owned digital media business.
He is also chair of the Design Council – a Royal Charter charity and the UK government’s strategic advisor on design.
He was previously a non-executive director and senior independent director of Britvic until its recent acquisition. Other roles he has previously held include non-executive director at Hays, deputy chair of Clear Media Limited, and executive vice-chair of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings.
Eccleshare’s executive career was spent in advertising, media, and consumer-focused businesses in senior leadership and commercial roles. Most recently, he spent thirteen years at Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings where he was chief executive from 2012 to 2021 and led the company’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange in May 2019.
He was also chair and chief executive of BBDO Europe between 2005 and 2009 and of Young & Rubicam EMEA from 2002 to 2005. He is a former partner of McKinsey & Co where he led the firm’s European marketing practice and prior to that he was CEO of advertising agencies within WPP and the Interpublic Group.
GPE chair Richard Mully said: “I am delighted that William has been selected to succeed me as chair. William brings significant executive and non-executive experience. His breadth of knowledge and skills, including his strong background in marketing, business transformation, growth and innovation, will be invaluable to GPE’s board. I know he will provide effective leadership of the board and great support to Toby Courtauld and our management team, who welcome his appointment. It has been a privilege to serve on GPE’s Board for over eight years and I look forward to working closely with William over the coming months to ensure a smooth handover.”
William Eccleshare added: “I am excited to be joining the GPE Board as its future chair. With GPE’s strong positioning and quality portfolio and with management’s strong track record, I look forward to leading the Board and working with the GPE team to drive the company’s strategy and take advantage of market opportunities. I also look forward to benefiting from Richard’s wise counsel as I transition into the chair role.”