Executive agency of the UK Cabinet Office, The Government Property Agency (GPA), has appointed Mark Bourgeois as its interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

Bourgeois will take over from Steven Boyd, who is stepping down from the CEO role this month. 

Joining the GPA later this month, he will work closely with the agency’s Board and executive team – maintaining momentum on its work to deliver a smaller, better-connected, better-quality and greener government property estate.

Bourgeois brings over three decades of experience in strategic and operational leadership across investment, development and asset management within commercial real estate.  This includes roles as Managing Director for the UK and Ireland division at FTSE listed developer and investor Hammerson plc, and prior to that Executive Director at Capital & Regional.  He has extensive expertise in regeneration in partnership with local and city authorities, including acting as Interim Corporate Director for City Development at Liverpool City Council.

Since launching in 2018, the GPA has grown to manage nearly 1m sq. m of the government’s property portfolio – acting as an expert partner to departments for strategic planning and workplace services including design, property technology and workplace experience. 

The GPA is also responsible for the Government Hubs Programme – bringing civil service teams closer to the communities they serve across the UK.  Recent milestones within the programme have included the opening of the Peterborough hub earlier this year, and the announcement last month of the site acquisition for the new Darlington Economic Campus.

Bourgeois says: “It is an honour to be appointed as interim Chief Executive of the Government Property Agency at this crucial period in its development.  Since its formation five years ago, the GPA has established itself as a leader in the UK workplace sector, supporting the work of the civil service while improving the financial and environmental performance of the government’s portfolio.  I look forward to working with the GPA executive team to champion customer focus, support clients and build a strong organisational culture within the agency as we continue this programme.”

Pat Ritchie CBE, chair of the GPA, adds: “I would like to thank Steven for his drive, determination and leadership, as well as the significant contribution he has made to establish the GPA since joining us in 2019, providing firm foundations for the next phase of the agency’s journey. 

“Steven has made great progress in joining up the government’s office estate, delivering the Hubs Programme, making major changes to the London estate, and leading the introduction of interoperable property technology to enable Civil Service productivity. 

“People are at the heart of what we do and Mark’s expertise in championing customer focus, demonstrating social impact, and inspiring teams will guide the agency’s development and next phase of this transition.  Supported by the Board and through the strength of our executive team, we look forward to working together as we move into 2024.”

The GPA will begin its recruitment process for a permanent CEO in early 2024. 

People are at the heart of what we do and Mark’s expertise in championing customer focus, demonstrating social impact, and inspiring teams will guide the agency’s development