Howard de Walden Estate confirms chief executive and finance boss

One of central London’s biggest estates has chosen its interim chief executive and chief financial officer for the permanent jobs, more than six months after the previous boss stepped down. The Howard de Walden Estate, which includes around 850 buildings across Marylebone, has confirmed interim CEO Mark Kildea will be made permanent chief, after his predecessor Andrew Hynard left in September last year. [caption id="attachment_1094497" align="aligncenter" width="847"] Mark Kildea and Andrew Griffith[/caption] Kildea has risen through the property company’s executive ranks over the last decade, joining as finance director before being promoted to chief operating officer. He will continue with his right hand man of six months, Andrew Griffith, who has been confirmed as chief financial officer. Prior to Griffith’s appointment in the interim role in November last year, he had spent 12 years at Grosvenor, which owns much of neighbouring Belgravia. The Howard de Walden family is led by Hazel Czernin, 85, the tenth Baroness de Walden, and controls the 92-acre estate, which includes the Harley Street medical hub. It is one of London’s oldest aristocratic landowning estates, along with Grosvenor and Cadogan, and can trace its roots back to the Domesday book of 1086. Sir William Proby, chairman of the estate, said that under Kildea and Griffith’s interim leadership the estate had “responded well during what has been an enormously challenging period for our entire industry”.  He added: “Now, as we continue to emerge from Covid-19 restrictions, our business is well placed as visitors flock back to Marylebone to enjoy everything that this vibrant area has to offer, from boutique retailers and restaurants to highly desirable office locations.  “As long-term stewards of many of London’s historic and architecturally important buildings, we take responsibility for reinvigorating the area and taking positive steps to recover from the pandemic.” Kildea added: “I’m extremely proud of all that Howard de Walden has achieved under the most trying of circumstances over the past year. Our colleagues have worked tirelessly to support occupiers, the local community and each other, and I am highly honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead this remarkable business.” To send feedback, e-mail alex.daniel@eg.co.uk or tweet @alexmdaniel or @EGPropertyNews