Argyll names new
Chief Executive Officer

Premium flex provider, Argyll has confirmed the appointment of Emily Smith as Chief Executive Officer, as the business gears up for its next stage of growth.

Smith steps up from her role as Chief Operating Officer, a position she has held for the past five years. During that time, she played a central role in reshaping the business post-pandemic, steering operations back to strength and closing 2025 at a record 92% occupancy.

Her appointment follows a pivotal year for Argyll, including the £11 million acquisition of 33 Chancery Lane - the operator’s first addition to its owned portfolio in almost two decades. The 23,000 sq ft building is currently undergoing refurbishment, with a launch pencilled in for early 2027.

The move also comes against the backdrop of Argyll’s change in ownership in May 2025, with Crosstree Real Estate Partners stepping in to provide new backing and a clear mandate for selective growth and investment.

Smith brings more than 20 years’ experience in London’s office market, with senior roles spanning Executive Offices Group and IWG. Since joining Argyll, she has overseen a £23 million refurbishment programme and a wholesale operational reset - efforts that no doubt earned her ‘Property Week’s Woman of the Year’ at the 2024 Inspiring Women in Property Awards.

Commenting on her appointment, Smith shares: “I am delighted to be stepping into the role of CEO at Argyll and to work alongside our partners at Crosstree Real Estate".

She adds: "Our collection of beautiful buildings in some of London’s best locations has always set us apart, but it is our amazing team that truly makes Argyll special. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Argyll, and one which I am proud to lead.”

Former CEO John Drover, who returned to the business in 2021 to help lead its turnaround, will move into the role of Chairman. He described Smith as “part of the fabric of Argyll” and someone who “has been instrumental in helping transform the business over the past five years, culminating in a successful sale to Crosstree in 2025. Emily’s extensive experience and vision make her the perfect fit for the role of CEO and I look forward to seeing all the company achieves under her leadership.”

Liam Singh, Managing Director at Crosstree Real Estate Partners, comments: “We look forward to working with Emily and the Argyll team to navigate Argyll through this this next chapter. Drawing on Emily’s extensive sector knowledge and current market opportunity, we are now on the acquisition trail to find buildings that match the calibre of the existing portfolio and to grow Argyll’s market position.”

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