The Englefield Estate has appointed James Meade to its senior management team as Head of Rural Property and Land.
As a land agent and chartered surveyor, who previously led the Savills office in Newmarket, James will manage operations across the Englefield Estate’s rural property and land holding and support the wider Estates’ strategy, with a focus on natural capital, the path to net zero, and sustainable business operations.
James has responsibility for the building, forestry, game and gardens departments together with direct oversight of the property portfolios and the in-hand farms. This includes developing robust asset management plans and managing ongoing maintenance programmes, whilst ensuring a top-quality service to residential, commercial, and rural tenants.
Working closely with both in-hand and tenant farmers, James will oversee the delivery of the Estate’s environmental and commercial objectives.
Edward Crookes, Estates Director, said: “James brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team at a time when the rural land and property sector is facing a whole range of challenges and opportunities.
“In this new role with our senior management team, James will work closely with our Heads of Department to help the Estate and our tenants navigate these changes, whether adapting to post-Brexit rural policy changes or playing our part in addressing climate change and nature recovery. We’re pleased to welcome James and know that he will be a real asset to the team.”
As well as being the former head of Savills’ Newmarket office, James was responsible for estate management in the east of England. His role encompassed the management and strategic direction of a variety of residential, commercial and agricultural property for a variety of private, institutional and corporate landowners.
He holds an MSc in Rural Land and Business Management from the University of Reading, and a BSc (Hons) in Countryside Management from Newcastle University. He is also a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).