BRITISH COUNCIL FOR OFFICES APPOINTS SAMANTHA McCLARY AS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE
The British Council for Offices (BCO) has announced the appointment of Samantha McClary as its new chief executive, marking a new era of leadership for the influential organisation.
McClary, the former editor of Estates Gazette (EG) and a prominent advocate for the real estate sector, will assume the role on 6 May, succeeding Richard Kauntze, who has led the organisation for over 25 years.
Under Kauntze’s tenure, the BCO has seen membership soar from 585 to more than 4,000, with its NextGen network—which supports young professionals under 35—now making up over a quarter of its membership.
With over two decades of experience in real estate journalism, McClary has long been a champion of workplace transformation. Now, as the incoming chief executive, she aims to expand BCO’s membership further and cement its status as a thought leader in the future of workspaces.
THE FUTURE OF WORKSPACES
Speaking on her appointment, McClary highlighted the changing role of the workplace and the need to support its continued evolution.
“The workplace has been through such a transformation, accelerated by Covid, but remains such an important element of our built environment. Where and how we work plays a vital role in building community. Our workplaces have a unique ability to bring people together, to enable innovation and collaboration. How we design and build these spaces has a phenomenal impact on people and the planet.”
“It is vital that we support this important industry and make sure that everyone understands the role it plays in supporting economic growth, in creating community and in helping solve the climate crisis. This is why I’m excited and honoured to be taking up this role and to be working with the BCO Presidential team and the whole of the BCO membership to ensure the UK workspace sector leads and gets the recognition it deserves.”
A LEGACY OF GROWTH AND ADAPTATION
Outgoing chief executive Richard Kauntze reflected on his quarter-century leadership, expressing confidence in McClary’s ability to steer the BCO into its next chapter.
“It has been an honour and a pleasure to hold the role of chief executive of the BCO for more than 25 years. I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Sam, and I know that she will do an excellent job of guiding the organisation through the years to come.”
“It is a real testament to the strength and ingenuity of our membership that the BCO has continued to grow and adapt in response to challenges such as the financial crisis, hybrid working, and, more recently, the rise of AI. The office continues to play a vital role in the greater ecosystem of towns and cities, and it is with anticipation and excitement that I will be watching this new chapter for the BCO unfold under the leadership of its new chief executive and formidable presidential team.”
A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR INDUSTRY PROGRESS
McClary’s appointment has been warmly welcomed by BCO President Peter Crowther, who praised her track record of challenging and advancing the real estate sector.
“Sam has been at the forefront of the sector for years, not just working to champion the best of its achievements but working to challenge its limits and seek out avenues for progress where needed. I look forward to working alongside Sam as we continue the BCO’s work of helping the sector achieve its best.
“My heartfelt thanks go to Richard for his years of service to the BCO, a sentiment which I know is shared by the wider membership. Richard has been synonymous with the BCO for as long as I can remember, and his tireless work has been instrumental in seeing the organisation grow and establish its place as a rigorous and respected source of guidance, support and progress,” he said.
With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and talent development, McClary will also focus on expanding the BCO’s NextGen membership, fostering cross-sector collaboration to secure the future of the real estate industry.
As the BCO enters a new phase, McClary’s leadership is expected to reinforce its influence in shaping the future of workspaces—ensuring they continue to support businesses, communities, and sustainability goals across the UK.
