Sian will take up the position from 1st August after serving for the past two years as a Non-Executive Director of the Group.
Sian is well known in the Cambridge business community having previously worked as a Senior Partner in the Cambridge office for PwC, and has more than 30 years of experience working with family businesses nationally and internationally. She is currently Head of Tax at Evelyn Partners and sits on the Board of Jarrold & Sons Ltd, a Norfolk based family business.
Sian said: “I am thrilled to be offered the opportunity to chair such a well governed family business. Having worked alongside Howard Group team for the last few years, I have been deeply impressed by the dedication of staff and their determination for continued purposeful growth heading towards their centenary year in 2035.” Sian also acknowledged the role of the outgoing chairman, Patrick Bushnell, who is retiring after 13 years, the last 9 years of which he served as Chair: “I’d like to thank Patrick for his outstanding commitment to Howard Group, during which he played a crucial role in leading the organisation through a period of significant change and growth .”
Andrew Hynard FRICS will join the Board as Non-Executive Director from 1st September 2022. Andrew is an industry-leading UK real estate capital markets professional with 40 years’ experience at major international advisory and property firms. His previous roles include Chief Executive of The Howard de Walden Estate and UK Deputy Chairman of JLL.
With a BSc in Estate Management, numerous charitable trustee roles, and as an active mentor within the property industry, Andrew is well-placed and well-suited to support Howard Group’s purpose of improving and enriching lives through responsible investing in people, places and ideas.
Nicholas Bewes, Chief Executive, Howard Group, added: “Sian’s appointment brings with it the opportunity to harness her vast experience of working within multi-generational family businesses and apply that skill and knowledge to the Board to underpin our strong and effective governance. “I am also delighted to welcome Andrew to the Board who brings an exemplary career track record, investment expertise and extensive network with him. I look forward to working with Sian, Andrew and the rest of the Board at what is an exciting period of change and opportunity to build upon our clear focus on values, purpose and shaping the business for future generations.”
Andrew commented: “I have known of Howard Group for many years, and admired its ethos, family ownership and focus on stewardship for its shareholders and the wider communities in which it operates. With deep roots in Cambridgeshire, the Group is well placed to continue generating exceptional performance. I look forward to joining the Board as well as supporting Nicholas and his excellent team. “
Patrick will be stepping down as Chairman at the end of July, but will remain on the Board until the end of November to ensure a smooth transition for Sian and Andrew as the company looks to build upon the success and growth of recent years, whilst exploring new market opportunities.
