Appointment of new Chief Financial Officer

Great Portland Estates PLC

19 January 2026

 

19 January 2026

Great Portland Estates plc (the "Company" or "GPE")

Appointment of new Chief Financial Officer

GPE is pleased to announce that Jayne Cottam will join the Board as Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") with effect from 16 March 2026. 

Jayne brings significant financial leadership and operational experience, most recently serving as CFO of Assura plc from September 2017 to December 2025.  Jayne joined Assura from Morris Homes Limited, one of the UK's largest private national housing developers, where she was the Finance Director for Operations.  She was previously Director of Finance for the Continental Europe Division of EMR, one of the world's largest metal recyclers, and before that held a number of other senior finance positions, including at holiday and hotel operator, WA Shearings Limited.

Jayne succeeds Nick Sanderson who, as announced on 25 September 2025, is stepping down as GPE's Chief Financial & Operating Officer to take up the position of Chief Financial Officer at Savills plc.  Nick will step down from GPE on 30 January 2026.   

William Eccleshare, Chair, said: "After an extensive search and selection process, I am delighted to be welcoming Jayne to our Board as CFO. Jayne brings a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience which will be invaluable to the Board and management team as we progress our growth agenda."

Toby Courtauld, Chief Executive said: "Jayne brings an excellent blend of financial, operational and leadership qualities with the right values for GPE's culture, and I am very much looking forward to working alongside her."

Jayne Cottam said: "I am delighted to be joining GPE at such an exciting time for the Company.  I look forward to working with Toby and the senior leadership team to deliver GPE's growth strategy."

There are no additional matters that would require disclosure under UK LR 6.4.8R in respect of the appointment of Jayne Cottam.

Great Portland Estates plc	+44	(0)	20	7647	3000
Toby Courtauld, Chief Executive
Stephen Burrows, Director of Investor Relations and Joint Director of Finance
FGS Global
James Murgatroyd & Gordon Simpson	+44	(0)	20	7251	3801

LEI Number:      213800JMEDD2Q4N1MC42

Notes:

1.   Jayne Cottam will receive CFO employment terms in line with GPE's Directors' remuneration policy.  Her gross basic salary will be £440,000 per annum and she will receive standard benefits and incentive awards commensurate with her position.  Her pension contribution will be 15% of basic salary, in line with the average rate available to all GPE employees.  There is no buyout of, or compensation for, previous remuneration packages. Full details of her total remuneration will be disclosed in the 2026 Annual Report.

2.   Details of Nick Sanderson's remuneration arrangements on stepping down from the Board, which are consistent with GPE's Directors' remuneration policy, will shortly be, as required by section 430(2B) of the Companies Act 2006, available on the Group's website at www.gpe.co.uk

3.   Between Nick Sanderson's leaving date of 30 January 2026 and Jayne Cottam's start date of 16 March 2026, Nick's finance-related responsibilities will be assumed by GPE's Joint Directors of Finance, Stephen Burrows and Martin Leighton.

 

END