Simon Carter, the chief executive of FTSE 100 property titan British Land, is stepping down from his role after more than five years at the helm.
A Move to Logistics
Mr Carter will leave the prominent real estate investment trust to take up the position of CEO at warehouse developer P3 Logistics Parks. The announcement was made on 12 January 2026, with British Land confirming it has initiated a comprehensive search for his successor.
Given a 12-month notice period is in place, the company stated it will now commence a "full process" to recruit a new leader. This planned transition aims to ensure stability for the business, which holds a significant portfolio of retail parks, London office campuses, and urban logistics sites.
A Tenure of Transformation
Simon Carter's history with British Land spans 18 years across two periods. He first joined the company in 2004 before departing in 2015 to serve as Chief Financial Officer at Quintain Estates and Development and later at Logicor.
He returned to British Land as CFO in 2018 and was promoted to the chief executive role in 2020. Reflecting on his departure, Carter said: "British Land has been a huge part of my professional life, and it has been a privilege to work for such a fantastic business."
He highlighted that the strategic, "contrarian calls we made post-pandemic have positioned British Land for long-term success." Carter added that while there is never a perfect time to leave, he departs with the business holding market-leading positions in London campuses and retail parks, both sectors experiencing strong rental growth.
Leadership and Legacy
British Land's chairman, William Rucker, paid tribute to Carter's contributions. "During his 18 years here across two stints he has achieved a huge amount," Rucker said. "As chief executive he has positioned the business for future success with a very strong management team and an exceptional London office campus and retail park platform."
British Land's substantial UK portfolio includes assets such as:
- West One near Oxford Street
- Crownpoint in Greater Manchester
- Teesside Park
- Southgate in Bath
- Glasgow Fort
The company also focuses on London campuses and urban logistics. Meanwhile, P3 Logistics Parks' UK holdings include properties in locations like Crick, Kettering, and South Normanton in Derbyshire, indicating Carter's move into the rapidly expanding logistics and warehouse sector.
The departure marks a significant leadership change for one of the UK's premier property groups, with the board now tasked with appointing a successor to guide its future strategy in a dynamic market.
