Barking Riverside Limited (BRL) has appointed Leigh Johnson as managing director.
Johnson joins BRL from Wates Residential where she was regional development director for London leading on joint venture projects.
Prior to that, she held senior leadership positions at four of the UK’s top five housebuilders and worked at Homes England for three years.
Led by BRL, a joint venture between the mayor of London and L&Q, Barking Riverside is delivering thousands of new homes and facilities on a site formerly occupied by the 1920s Barking Power Station.
Johnson’s appointment follows the end of Matthew Carpen’s tenure as managing director, who has been in post for 12 years. Carpen will take up his new role as CEO of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation later this autumn and Johnson is expected to start at BRL in November.
Ed Farnsworth, co-chair of the BRL board and executive group director for finance at L&Q, said: “We are pleased to have appointed Leigh Johnson to the role of managing director. Leigh brings with her a blend of contractor, developer and government experience – a mix that reflects the crucial partnership working at the heart of BRL. Barking Riverside has always been about supporting growth, connection and community. That vision remains unchanged, with Leigh’s leadership able to unlock more critically needed homes for London, whilst promoting transformative, community-led development.”
Tom Copley, deputy mayor of London for housing and BRL board member, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Leigh to the BRL team, where her diverse housing expertise will help us deliver not just high quality new homes, but a truly sustainable and liveable neighbourhood. We look forward to seeing the Barking Riverside development progress as we continue working to build a better, greener, more prosperous London for all.”
Johnson said: “I’m proud to be joining BRL at this critical and energising moment in its evolution. This is a nationally significant project and a career-defining opportunity, not only because of the scale of homes being delivered, but also because of the credibility and commitment of the partners involved. Having previously sat on both sides of the table, I feel uniquely positioned to reinforce BRL’s role as a true master developer, working collaboratively to deliver homes at the pace and quality that London requires.
“It is a privilege to be joining an experienced and dedicated team, which has already done so much to establish the identity, ambition and reputation of this emerging destination. Together, I’m looking forward to shaping a neighbourhood that residents are proud to call home, all whilst delivering an inclusive and lasting legacy for this part of East London.”
