Duchy of Lancaster announces four new senior appointments

The Duchy of Lancaster has confirmed four new senior appointments to the roles of head of commercial property, head of project management, and two consultants on development planning and investments in the North West respectively.

Mike Andrews MRICS, who will oversee the Duchy’s commercial property portfolio and has over 30 years’ experience in the sector. He has previously worked for Hillier Parker (now CBRE), DTZ and most recently Mike was a director at Canmoor Asset Management. In recent years the Duchy has invested in upgrading its commercial property portfolio, including the now fully-let Wellington House development in London. Mike will be responsible for the asset management of the existing portfolio and will work with the team to identify new investment opportunities for the Duchy.

Graeme Chalk will be joining the Duchy of Lancaster in the newly created head of project management role and will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations concerning the Duchy’s estates and assets. Graeme will work closely with the external consultancy teams focusing on implementing a standardised approach to project delivery across the portfolio. Graeme has previously worked for Heery International and Marks and Spencer. He joins the Duchy from Centros where he has worked for the last 10 years.

Neil Hall has been seconded to the team from AMEC as a consultant, to provide development planning advice to the Duchy of Lancaster. He brings nearly 25 years’ planning experience gained across the public and private sectors covering strategic land promotion, policy development, major applications and regeneration. Neil’s primary task will   be to review the development land estate, identify and prioritise planning activity and refine the overall approach to strategic land promotion.

The Duchy has also appointed John Whitehurst MRICS as a consultant with responsibility for its investments in the North West including Crewe Hall Farm Buildings, 81 Fountain Street and Centenary Park. John has worked in the Manchester area for 25 years having previously worked for GVA Grimley, MEPC and Prestbury Investment Holdings Limited before moving to Riddelltps in 2005.

Nathan Thompson, chief executive of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “The Duchy of Lancaster comprises a diverse portfolio of properties and it is important they are managed responsibly, sustainably and in accordance with the organisation’s unique cultural heritage. Mike, Graeme, Neil and John will bring extensive experience which will both complement the existing management and help support the Duchy’s future plans.

Founded in the 13^th century, the Duchy of Lancaster is a private portfolio of land, property and assets held for the Sovereign in Right of His or Her Duchy of Lancaster. Today the Duchy of Lancaster is custodian of 18,700 hectares across England and Wales, including key urban developments, historic buildings, high quality farm land and areas of great natural beauty.