Helen is a Director at Great Portland Estates plc. Having joined the company in 2007 as Project Manager, she was appointed as Head of Project Management in 2017 and Director of Project Management in 2019. She has a proven track record in the successful delivery of major GPE development projects, including GPE’s single largest mixed use development at Rathbone Square, 12/14 New Fetter Lane and 33 Margaret St. Helen holds responsibility for the delivery of all projects across GPE’s development programme, future pipeline and existing managed portfolio. She sets GPE’s procurement strategy and ensures capital expenditure and delivery on all projects accords with individual asset business plans across the Group.
With over 30 years’ experience in the construction and property industry, Helen started her career as a trainee quantity surveyor studying on a day release basis working for a small QS practice local to her home. She later transferred to London to gain broader experience where she worked for a multi-disciplinary practice known as Bucknall Austin. Helen has gained a vast amount of experience across many sectors including a 2 year period in secondment for a contractor and a period in the Construction Management Team. As a chartered surveyor Helen then went on to work for a developer and hasn’t looked back since.
Having spent 20 of her 30 years experience living and working in London, Helen does not hide the fact that she feels there is no better place to develop buildings and work with some of the best people in the industry. Helen is passionate about unlocking potential of young people in real estate and, as a Mentor, Helen is looking forward to sharing her experience and help build confidence in those new to the industry.
Those close to Helen will say that she is always working, but when she is not in the office she enjoys the mountains – preferably with snow but also adores the sea and coastlines in equal measure. As a keen traveller Helen enjoys the simplicity of exploring locations such as the depths of Myanmar and Nepal/China borders alongside the fun and vibrancy of all major cities across the world.
