Lord Harrington has been appointed as the non-executive chair of Regal, strengthening its leadership with his vast industry experience.
- The former construction minister will guide Regal’s growth strategy in the competitive real estate market.
- Regal, previously known as Regal London, is expanding its residential-led mixed-use developments.
- Lord Harrington’s previous roles and knowledge of global investment strategies position him well in his new role.
- His strategic insight is expected to significantly influence Regal’s market trajectory.
In a significant leadership move, Lord (Richard) Harrington has been named the non-executive chair of Regal, a decision that taps into his extensive sector experience. As a former construction minister, he served from January 2018 to March 2019, and his tenure as an MP for Watford further solidifies his deep-rooted experience in political and construction domains.
Regal, a developer previously known as Regal London, stands out in the industry with a turnover of £350 million. The group comprises several companies, including Regal Construction, its in-house building division. The appointment of Lord Harrington is poised to drive the company’s next phase of growth, particularly in residential-led mixed-use developments, a sector in which Regal is keen to expand.
The strategic appointment aligns with Regal chief executive Jonathan Seal’s vision to enhance the company’s growth strategy. Seal articulated that Harrington’s extensive experience in various sectors, coupled with his profound understanding of the global investment community, will bring valuable strategic guidance to the board.
Prior to this, Lord Harrington joined Manchester-based cladding-remediation specialist Intelligent FS as chair but departed within three months due to “additional business commitments.” His current roles include being a board adviser to Intelligent FS and advisory positions with financial firm Canaccord Genuity and solicitors Stephenson Harwood.
Moreover, Lord Harrington has made notable contributions as a shareholder and director in developer Secure Income REIT and remains actively involved with Harvington Properties. His past work includes the influential Harrington Review of Foreign Direct Investment, published last November, recommending strategies for the UK to attract overseas capital.
His brief tenure as minister for refugees from March to September 2022, during which he was instrumental in establishing the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme, further underscores his wide-ranging expertise and commitment to impactful leadership roles.
Commenting on his chairmanship at Regal, Lord Harrington remarked on the business’s extraordinary potential and the broad scope of its integrated model, especially within London’s real estate sector, which provides a robust platform for growth.
Lord Harrington’s appointment as chair is expected to steer Regal towards a promising growth trajectory in the real estate sector.
