Great Portland Estates (GPE) has appointed Jayne Cottam as chief financial officer (CFO).

Cottam will join the property investment company’s board with effect from 16 March and succeed Nick Sanderson, who is taking up the CFO position at Savills.

GPE said Cottam would add significant financial leadership and operational experience, having most recently served as CFO at Assura between September 2017 to December 2025.

She joined Assura from housing developer Morris Homes, where she was finance director for operations. Cottam has also previously been director of finance for the Continental Europe division of metal recycler, EMR.

“I am delighted to be joining GPE at such an exciting time for the company,” Cottam said. “I look forward to working with Toby and the senior leadership team to deliver GPE’s growth strategy.”

Chief executive, Toby Courtauld, said: “Jayne brings an excellent blend of financial, operational and leadership qualities with the right values for GPE’s culture, and I am very much looking forward to working alongside her.”

Chair at GPE, William Eccleshare, added: “After an extensive search and selection process, I am delighted to be welcoming Jayne to our board as CFO. Jayne brings a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience which will be invaluable to the board and management team as we progress our growth agenda.”

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