The British Council for Offices (BCO) has appointed former Estates Gazette editor Samantha McClary as its new chief executive.
McClary, who will take up the role from 6 May, succeeds Richard Kauntze, who has held the position for more than 25 years.
McClary has more than 20 years’ experience of real estate journalism and was appointed editor of Estates Gazette in 2019. Late last year, Estates Gazette’s owner RELX announced plans to close the property industry title, but earlier this year it was bought by publishing group Mark Allen.
In her new role at the BCO, she will seek to build on Kauntze’s achievements by working to grow the organisation’s membership and to amplify its role as a guiding light for the workspace sector.
McClary said: “The workplace has been through such a transformation, accelerated by Covid, but remains such an important element of our built environment. Where and how we work plays a vital role in building community. Our workplaces have a unique ability to bring people together, to enable innovation and collaboration. How we design and build these spaces has a phenomenal impact on people and the planet.
“It is vital that we support this important industry and make sure that everyone understands the role it plays in supporting economic growth, in creating community and in helping solve the climate crisis. This is why I’m excited and honoured to be taking up this role and to be working with the BCO presidential team and the whole of the BCO membership to ensure the UK workspace sector leads and gets the recognition it deserves.”
Kauntze added: “It has been an honour and a pleasure to hold the role of chief executive of the BCO for more than 25 years. I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Sam, and I know that she will do an excellent job of guiding the organisation through the years to come.
“It is a real testament to the strength and ingenuity of our membership that the BCO has continued to grow and adapt in response to challenges such as the financial crisis, hybrid working, and, more recently, the rise of AI. The office continues to play a vital role in the greater ecosystem of towns and cities, and it is with anticipation and excitement that I will be watching this new chapter for the BCO unfold under the leadership of its new chief executive and formidable presidential team.”
Peter Crowther, president, British Council for Offices, said: “Sam has been at the forefront of the sector for years, not just working to champion the best of its achievements but working to challenge its limits and seek out avenues for progress where needed. I look forward to working alongside Sam as we continue the BCO’s work of helping the sector achieve its best.
“My heartfelt thanks go to Richard for his years of service to the BCO, a sentiment which I know is shared by the wider membership. Richard has been synonymous with the BCO for as long as I can remember and his tireless work has been instrumental in seeing the organisation grow and establish its place as a rigorous and respected source of guidance, support and progress.”
