Nikki Dibley, Senior Development Executive at Helical, has been appointed as the new Chair of the City Property Association (“CPA”) at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday (22 April).
Nikki will work closely with newly appointed Vice Chair, Simon Swietochowski, Development Director at BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts, who will also serve a two-year-term guiding CPA’s role in representing the property industry in the City.
Investor confidence in the Square Mile has soared post pandemic, with demand for high quality office space outstripping supply and rents achieving record highs as leading firms and investors choose the City of London to locate their business and invest their capital.
During her tenure, Nikki will build on this success with a focus on delivering on the objectives of Destination City, the City Corporation’s economic growth and culture strategy, which is a key tenet of the Association’s business objectives following Nikki’s appointment as Chair.
Nikki Dibley, Chair, City Property Association and Senior Development Executive at Helical, said:
“It’s a real privilege to become Chair of the City Property Association and to represent our members as we help shape the next chapter of the Square Mile. The City of London is a vital engine of both London and the UK’s economy, and its future success depends on maintaining a strong pipeline of high‑quality, commercially viable office space that attracts leading businesses and drives productivity and growth.
“Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, the City’s strong fundamentals and long‑standing stability continue to make it a trusted home for international investment, a reminder of its resilience, but also of the responsibility we have to ensure it continues to lead on the global stage. I look forward to working with the City Corporation and other stakeholders to ensure the Square Mile remains the number one destination for international capital, talent and visitors.”
Nikki, who takes over as Chair from Ross Sayers, Head of Development Management at Landsec, has nearly two decades of experience in the property industry – joining Helical in 2007 and working on some of the company’s most prominent schemes in the City of London and surrounding markets including Barts Square, The Bower, Kaleidoscope and The JJ Mack Building. She currently co-leads the delivery of 10 King William Street, Brettenham House and 100 New Bridge Street, the London HQ for State Street Corporation.
During Ross’ two-year term the CPA has worked closely with the City of London Corporation to help shape the City 2040 Plan, supporting the delivery of modern office space and the enhancement of the public realm, leisure and cultural amenities. The CPA has also advocated for measures such as CIL phasing, improved cycle parking, cultural uses and effective construction policies to support the long-term viability of development in the City of London.
Ross Sayers, CPA Immediate Past Chair and Head of Development Management at Landsec, commented:
“I’ve been proud to lead the CPA over the past two years. The City’s property industry plays a vital role in driving economic growth and shaping a vibrant, sustainable Square Mile. During my time as Chair, we focused on championing the role of the office, supporting development viability, and working with the City Corporation and partners to deliver high-quality, sustainable workplaces and ambitious public realm projects that bring the City’s spaces to life. I look forward to seeing the continued collaboration between the City Corporation, our members and partners to ensure the Square Mile remains a dynamic destination for workers, visitors and future investment.”
Charles Begley, Chief Executive, City Property Association added:
“On behalf of CPA members I would like to congratulate Nikki on becoming Chair of the CPA. Her experience and insight will be invaluable as we continue to work closely with the City of London Corporation to shape the future of the Square Mile.
“I would also like to recognise the significant impact Ross made during his tenure as we have made the case for continued investment in the Square Mile and supporting the City Corporation through the public examination of its new City Plan which will determine future development over the next decade and beyond.”
At the AGM Nikki secured the Board’s support for CPA’s 2026/27 business plan which will see the CPA champion offices as critical economic infrastructure, advocate for policy reform to unlock development viability and support a stronger leisure and cultural offer in the Square Mile as part of Destination City.
Further reading:
Speech: Nikki Dibley, newly elected CPA Chair lays out business priorities in inaugural address
Report: CPA Annual Report 2025/26
