UK Land Estates has appointed a new Managing Director.
Part of a planned succession, David Gibbs is replacing Keith Taylor, who is stepping down after 23 years with the business to take up the role of Executive Chairman.
While former Property Director David takes over day-to-day leadership duties, Keith will remain closely involved in the new role, with the firm’s management group still able to draw on his experience and knowledge of commercial property.
UK Land Estates owns and manages prominent North East industrial estates including Team Valley, Teesside Industrial Estate and Tyne Tunnel Estate. David’s appointment represents a natural succession. He has worked closely with Keith since joining the business 17 years ago. A Northumbria University computing graduate, David also holds a Master’s in Real Estate.
David said: “The skilled leadership and incredible contribution Keith has made to UK Land Estates cannot be overstated. I’d also like to thank him for the invaluable support he has given me over the years. Under his leadership, the business has grown into one of the largest industrial and commercial space landlords in the region.
“His legacy goes far beyond the growth of the portfolio. Keith has played a hugely important role in building the management team we have today and creating the shared direction and culture that continues to drive the business forward.
“I am incredibly proud to take on this role. It represents a planned succession and my appointment will not represent a massive shift in the way we operate. We will continue the great work of Keith and remain committed to providing the highest-quality industrial and commercial space while continually enhancing our estates.”
He added: “Every business has different requirements – it is our job to understand those and provide the buildings and environments they require. We meet tenants, understand their businesses and work with them to help them succeed.
“We want to create great places to work and where businesses want to stay. That means investing, improving the quality of our buildings and ensuring our estates are constantly evolving to meet the needs of occupiers.”
Keith joined UK Land Estates 23 years ago and has overseen a significant period of growth and investment for the business. Chief among those was the acquisition of former regional development agency, One North East’s portfolio. The purchase gave UK Land Estates greater autonomy to invest directly in its estates and accelerate its strategy of creating some of the best industrial and commercial environments in the North East of England.
Keith said: “I am immensely proud of my time as MD and of what the team has achieved together. This is a positive move and one that has been in the planning for some time. I am delighted to continue as Executive Chairman, supporting David and the team.
“I’ve loved my time working in the business and the people I’ve worked with, both inside and outside the company. It is a super business and we have good fun. While we don’t shout about it, we all take great pride in what we have achieved as a business and our fundamental strategy of continuous investment and improvement has helped create a portfolio of estates that are second to none.”
Keith said that creating a strong and united management team had been one of the achievements he was most proud of. “We have all worked together to develop a clear direction which we all want the business to go in. We have a fantastic team, everyone buys into what we do and David is exceptionally well placed to lead the next stage of the business. I wish him all the luck in the world and will be here to help in any way I can.”
As Executive Chairman, Keith will play an advisory role, providing continuity and supporting David and the management team as UK Land Estates enters its next chapter.