The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC), responsible for delivering the transformation of the former Earls Court Exhibition Centre site, has announced the appointment of industry heavyweight Melinda Knatchbull as Chief Financial Officer, further bolstering the team to take the project to the next phase.

Melinda takes up the permanent role at a pivotal moment for ECDC as they begin mobilising for delivery from 2026. Shareholders, and the ECDC team are now firmly looking to taking Phase One forward, delivering on London’s urgent housing need and economic growth priorities. Melinda will lead on capital projects and investment, providing the expertise needed for the long-term success of one of the UK’s most significant growth opportunities.

With more than 25 years’ financial and operational expertise in the real estate investment management sector, prior to joining ECDC Melinda held senior positions including Chief Financial Officer at Sellar and Global Chief Operating Officer, Real Estate, at Schroders, where she spent a decade overseeing finance, operations, risk management as well as being a member of the global investment committee. She is also an independent non-executive director at M7 Real Estate, where she chairs the audit, risk and compliance committee. A chartered accountant, she began her career at Ernst & Young.

A recent report by Arup found that, once complete, the redevelopment of Earls Court will contribute up to £3 billion a year in GVA to the UK economy and generate a £20 return for every £1 invested. It will create and support 23,500 jobs nationwide, deliver around 4,000 homes, and provide c. 2.5m sq. ft. of workspace for the climate innovation sector.

Rob Heasman, CEO of ECDC, said: “Melinda has already shown exceptional leadership and insight as interim CFO with us, and I am delighted to welcome her permanently to the Executive Leadership Team. Her wealth of experience and strong track record give us great confidence as we move into the delivery phase. With Arup’s recent analysis setting out Earls Court’s £3 billion annual contribution to UK plc, Melinda will be instrumental in ensuring this once-in-a-generation project delivers on its full potential for both the country and the capital’s growth agendas.”

Melinda Knatchbull, Chief Financial Officer at ECDC, said: “It is a privilege to take on the CFO role at such an important stage for Earls Court. This project is not only about creating a new neighbourhood for London but also about making a significant contribution to driving growth for the UK economy. I look forward to working with colleagues, partners and stakeholders as we move Earls Court forwards into the delivery phase.”

To find out more about Earls Court, visit www.earlscourt.com