Related Argent, one of the largest privately-owned property and urban regeneration businesses in the UK, has today announced the appointment of John Forrester (pictured) as its new Chairman.
John Forrester’s appointment follows the announcement that long-time Chairman, David Partridge is retiring from the company after 35 years.
John Forrester, who was appointed as Strategic Advisor to the Related Argent board in May 2024, will take over as Chairman effective 1 May 2025, working closely with the Related Argent leadership team to directly support the continued growth of the respected Related Argent business.
John brings a wealth of global experience that spans all aspects of property investment, development, operations and management. Over a 35-year career, which includes serving as Group CEO and Global President of Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK), John has worked on high-profile projects both in the UK and globally, including partnering with Related Argent colleagues during Cushman & Wakefield’s 15-year tenure as office leasing agent for the King’s Cross estate.
David Partridge (pictured above) joined Argent in 1990 and was appointed Joint Chief Executive in 2006, Managing Partner in 2012 and Senior Partner in 2019. During his 35-year tenure, David led many of Related Argent’s well-known projects, including overseeing the regeneration of King’s Cross in London and Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester, and the formative stages of the redevelopment of Brent Cross Town in London.
The ongoing Related Argent leadership team comprises Chief Executive Director, Tom Goodall, and Executive Directors, Morwenna Hall, André Gibbs and Oli Rifkind.
John Forrester, incoming chairman of Related Argent, said: “London is the most global of all property markets and a developer with the pedigree, capability and reach of Related Argent is a hugely compelling partner for any business seeking to create aspirational assets.
“Working with Ken, Tom and this incredibly talented team, I am pleased to be taking on this new role where I’ll be focusing on identifying new opportunities and building relationships for Related Argent. For some time, we have been seen as the best at delivering large, complex mixed-use communities, but going forward we also intend to apply that hard-earned reputation to single, although still large, development opportunities.”
Tom Goodall, Chief Executive Director of Related Argent, said: “On behalf of all of us at Related Argent, I would like to thank David Partridge for his enormous contribution to the success of this company and its projects over more than three decades. His personal and professional support has been invaluable to me and so many others, both at Related Argent and across the industry, and we wish him the very best for the future.
“John joined the business as Strategic Advisor 12 months ago and I am delighted he has agreed to become our new Chairman. The breadth and depth of his global experience acquired over a 35-year career will be invaluable as we work to grow the business. We are looking forward to continuing our work with him and pushing ahead with our strategic objectives.”
Kenneth Wong, COO of Related Companies, added: “I am delighted to welcome John Forrester as the new Chairman of Related Argent. I have known John professionally and personally for many years and am confident that the Related Argent leadership team will benefit exponentially from his unparalleled, deep experience and innumerable industry relationships. With his guidance and focus, John will help cement our ambition for Related Argent’s growth in London and beyond.
“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to David Partridge, who has played a crucial role in the growth and success of our business. It is thanks to his strategic mindset and collaborative nature that we are well-positioned to make this leadership transition. We are cheering for David as he dives straight into his next business adventure.”
David Partridge, outgoing chairman of Related Argent, added: “It is with mixed emotions that I am retiring from my post as Chairman of Related Argent. For more than half of my 35 years at the business, I have been privileged to have been in leadership roles where I have helped to build both the company and our hugely significant projects in so many cities across the country. Working alongside a team of brilliantly talented colleagues, we have accomplished so much.
“On the other hand, I am extremely proud to leave Related Argent in such good hands. It has an impeccable reputation, an enviable pipeline of schemes, a stable ownership structure with a long-term vision and most importantly, a fantastic leadership team that will lead the business to even greater success.”
It was announced on Tuesday 8 April 2025, that David Partridge has joined forces with Joseph Michael Daniels and Tom Fenton to launch Senze, a tech product that addresses the challenge of retrofitting homes in the UK.
Leo Shapland will join as chief executive of the King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership in May 2025, a role that David Partridge has held on an interim basis since January 2024.