Battersea Power Station appoints former Quintain boss as CEO
Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) has appointed James Saunders as chief executive officer, effective from 7th April 2026.
He joins from Quintain, where he has spent the last 18 years leading the mixed-use Wembley Park development. During his tenure at Quintain, Saunders served as commercial director, chief operating officer, and most recently as CEO, a post he has held for six years.
After a decade at BPSDC during its transformational phase, including the last nine months as interim CEO, Sam Cotton has announced that he will leave the company at the end of April.
This news follows BPSDC’s recent appointment of strategic urban design practice Studio Egret West to evolve the original masterplan for the remaining 16-acres of the 42-acre riverside neighbourhood. The new plans have the potential to create up to 3.2 million sq ft of residential, commercial, cultural, and leisure space.
James Saunders, incoming CEO of BPSDC, said: “I am delighted to be taking the reins at such an iconic project at a pivotal moment in its journey. Battersea Power Station is experiencing remarkable growth and is now firmly established as one of London’s leading destinations, as well as being at the start of an exciting new phase of development. Having been a Wandsworth resident for over a decade, it is particularly meaningful to be involved in shaping the future of such an important local landmark. I look forward to working with the established team at BPSDC to drive retail and asset performance and to help shape the next chapter of this regeneration project.”
Datuk Zaini, chairman of BPSDC, said: “I would like to sincerely thank Sam Cotton, who has announced he will be leaving the business at the end of April. Sam has been with Battersea Power Station for over 10 years and has played a central role in the transformation of the estate, helping guide the project from development through to launch and operation. More recently, Sam has served as Interim CEO for the past nine months, leading the business through an important phase. He leaves with the Board’s sincere thanks for his leadership and significant contribution over the past decade.
“I would like to warmly welcome James to the Battersea Power Station team. He brings outstanding regeneration, asset management, placemaking and marketing expertise, as well as a strong track record of leading complex, high-profile developments. As we move into the next phase of growth, his experience and leadership will be instrumental in continuing to strengthen the destination and delivering on our long-term vision. We wish him every success in the role.”