STACE HIRES GPE VETERAN MARTIN QUINN AS IT TARGETS BIGGER LONDON OFFICE PROJECTS
AFTER TWO DECADES AT GPE, MARTIN QUINN JOINS STACE TO DRIVE LONDON OFFICE GROWTH
Property consultancy Stace has appointed Great Portland Estates veteran Martin Quinn as Director of Commercial Workspace as it targets larger and more complex London office developments and seeks to expand its position across new-build, major refurbishment and redevelopment projects.
Stace is strengthening its commercial workspace operation with the appointment of Martin Quinn, who will join the consultancy in October following nearly two decades at Great Portland Estates (GPE).
Quinn, most recently Head of Project Delivery at GPE, will become Stace’s Director of Commercial Workspace as the firm looks to increase its involvement in high-profile London office and mixed-use developments.
The appointment represents a significant hire for Stace as it seeks to build on projects including 40 Broadway, 20 Giltspur Street and 155 Bishopsgate and compete for larger and more complex schemes.
FROM DEVELOPER TO CONSULTANCY
Quinn brings extensive experience of major office and mixed-use developments in central London.
During his time at GPE, he progressed to Head of Project Delivery, with responsibility for overseeing the delivery of the property company’s development pipeline.
His move to Stace will see him return to more direct involvement in project delivery while also sharing his commercial office development experience with teams across the consultancy.
That combination of delivery expertise and market relationships could prove important as Stace seeks to expand its presence in a London office sector being reshaped by changing occupier expectations, refurbishment requirements and the demand for high-quality workspace.
“Martin is exceptionally well known and highly respected across the office and commercial property sector,” said Gareth Sinnamon, Partner at Stace. “There is a strong alignment between Martin’s ambitions and our own aspirations as a business.”
TARGETING BIGGER PROJECTS
Stace’s growth strategy is not limited to conventional new-build offices.
The consultancy is targeting further opportunities across new-build development, “cut and carve” projects and major refurbishments — areas requiring increasingly sophisticated project management as owners look at how existing buildings can be repositioned for changing workplace requirements.
Quinn will lead and support teams working across Project Management and Employer’s Agent instructions.
His remit will combine client delivery with developing Stace’s internal capability through mentoring, leadership and direct involvement with project teams.
Sinnamon said Quinn’s experience should also strengthen the consultancy’s industry relationships.
“His experience, reputation and deep understanding of project delivery will further strengthen our capability in the commercial office market,” he said.
“Just as importantly, he shares our values and our commitment to developing people. We believe his appointment will enhance our industry connections, create new opportunities and help us continue delivering outstanding outcomes for our clients, while supporting the progression of talent across the business.”
A RETURN TO HANDS-ON DELIVERY
For Quinn, the move also represents a change in direction after a long career with one of London’s established property companies.
Rather than stepping away from delivery as his career progresses, he has chosen to return to closer involvement with projects.
“I’m delighted to be joining Stace at such an exciting stage in its growth,” Quinn said.
“The business has built a strong reputation for delivery and client service, and I was particularly attracted to its culture, ambition and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to developing this further.”
His appointment comes with a broader responsibility to help Stace grow its commercial office business rather than simply manage individual schemes.
“I am looking forward to working closely with clients, external project teams and colleagues, helping to grow the commercial office sector, developing talent within the business and delivering exciting workplace and development projects.”
For Stace, the recruitment therefore amounts to more than a senior personnel change.
After almost 20 years on the developer side at GPE, Quinn brings experience of what major London property owners expect from the consultants delivering their schemes.
Stace’s challenge will now be to convert that experience, reputation and network into a bigger share of London’s most significant commercial workspace projects.
