Battersea Power Station appoints Quintain’s Saunders as new CEO

By
Liz Hamson

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Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) has appointed James Saunders, formerly of Quintain, as its new CEO.

Saunders, who has spent the last 18 years at Quintain, serving as commercial director, chief operating officer and most recently CEO, will join BPSDC on 7 April 2026.

Sam Cotton, who has spent the past decade at BPSDC, including nine months as interim CEO, is leaving the company at the end of April.

Datuk Zaini, chairman of BPSDC, said: “I would like to sincerely thank Sam Cotton, who has announced he will be leaving the business at the end of April. Sam has been with Battersea Power Station for over 10 years and has played a central role in the transformation of the estate, helping guide the project from development through to launch and operation. More recently, Sam has served as Interim CEO for the past nine months, leading the business through an important phase. He leaves with the board’s sincere thanks for his leadership and significant contribution over the past decade.”

Zani added: “I would like to warmly welcome James to the Battersea Power Station team. He brings outstanding regeneration, asset management, placemaking and marketing expertise, as well as a strong track record of leading complex, high-profile developments. As we move into the next phase of growth, his experience and leadership will be instrumental in continuing to strengthen the destination and delivering on our long-term vision. We wish him every success in the role.”

Saunders said: “I am delighted to be taking the reins at such an iconic project at a pivotal moment in its journey. Battersea Power Station is experiencing remarkable growth and is now firmly established as one of London’s leading destinations, as well as being at the start of an exciting new phase of development. Having been a Wandsworth resident for over a decade, it is particularly meaningful to be involved in shaping the future of such an important local landmark. I look forward to working with the established team at BPSDC to drive retail and asset performance and to help shape the next chapter of this regeneration project.”

Cotton said: “Helping bring Battersea Power Station to life over the past decade has been a tremendous privilege. I’m incredibly proud of the transformation we have delivered and would like to thank the board for their support.”

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