Meet the people who work in partnership to bring the best out of Cheapside.
Executive Team
Ellie joined the Cheapside team in November 2023 as BID Manager. She previously worked as Member Services Manager at a private members’ club, heading the membership and events teams, as well as being part of the operations team for Lygon Group, an executive search consultancy.
Ellie Pearce
BID Manager, Cheapside Business Alliance
Aidan is an accomplished marketing & events manager, with an extensive track record within BIDs and Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs). Prior to joining the Cheapside team he worked for 4 years with Norwich BID and VisitNorwich.
Aidan Lewis
Senior Marketing & Events Manager, Cheapside Business Alliance
Matteo joined the Cheapside team in August 2023 as Team Assistant. Having studied Electrical & Electronic Engineering at university, his previous experience in marketing and passion for sustainability led him to join the world of BIDs.
Matteo Cotta Ramusino
Team Assistant, Cheapside Business Alliance
Katherine has more than 20 years’ experience working in the public sector. She brings great expertise overseeing Aldgate & Cheapside BIDs, due to her role as Placemaking & Operations Director for London HQ , as well as previously working for Tower Hamlets Council. She is well-versed in BID start-ups.
Kathering Fleming
Director, Cheapside Business Alliance
Board Members
Charlotte has worked in Real Estate for nearly 25 years, leading teams across multiple sectors and is currently Head of Retail Property Management UK for CBRE. She has been an active member of the CBA since 2010, becoming a board member in 2015 and has been Chair for the last 3 years.
Charlotte Fletcher
Chair & Head of Retail Property Management UK, CBRE
Janet has over 20 years’ experience in managing shopping centres. Passionate about retail and its place in the heart of the community, Janet has been a Board Director for the West London Chambers of Commerce and has previous experience with BIDs, having worked to form a BID with key stakeholders in Hounslow.
Janet Leatherland
Vice-Chair & Centre Director, The Royal Exchange
Armand Kailich, born in Vienna, Austria, is currently covering a maternity contract at Buzzacott as the Head of Facilities and Services. Starting off in the hotel, catering, and hospitality industry, Armand made the transition into Facilities and Project management, having previously worked in South Africa and the Middle East. Outside of work, Armand is a passionate sailor, currently doing his Coastal Yacht Master certification.
Armand Kailich
Head of Facilities & Services, Buzzacott
Over the past 20 years, Gareth has held various senior leadership roles in London including The Cavendish London, The Hempel and St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Gareth was appointed pre-opening Managing Director of The Ned London in 2016 and promoted to Group Managing Director in 2022 with the brand’s expansion into North America and the Middle East.
Gareth Banner
Group Managing Director, The Ned
George co-founded Pella in 2018 to work with investor partners and create financial value in real estate projects. He has previously spent 18 years as head of development at CIT. Among the buildings he’s developed are the iconic City Hall at More London and since then many other mixed-use projects in London.
George Kyriacou
Developer & Co-founder, Pella REP
Harish is an accomplished professional with a passion for excellence and over 17 years of dedicated service with Boots. With a background in civil engineering, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills. Notably, he has been recognized for outstanding performance, earning the “Best of the Best” store award for the past two years.
Harish Sharma
Store Manager, Boots
Hugo is responsible for creating long term sustainable value within Oxford’s office and life science real estate holdings, which includes two buildings in Paternoster Square and responsibility for the enlivenment and operation of the wider Paternoster Estate. This involves enhancing the immediate environment and ESG credentials and providing desirable space for occupiers, tourists and visitors.
Hugo Pickford
Asset Manager, Oxford Properties
Marc had a career in retail with M&S before moving into Retail Property, managing shopping centres in Romford, Ilford, Bromley, and Lakeside. He then moved to Landsec in 2017 as Operations Director, and led both Ilford and Bromley BIDs to their respective first ballot victories. He is also British BIDs Advisory Board Member since 2010.
Marc Myers
Retail Operations Director, Landsec
Marcus collaborates closely with SMEs, offering comprehensive assistance with their banking and finance requirements. Operating from Cheapside, he passionately champions businesses in the City of London and throughout the entire capital. Over his 12-year tenure, Marcus has played a vital role in various capacities and locations, contributing to Metro Bank’s growth.
Marcus Williams
Director, Metro Bank
Sean has a 30-year career in Retail. He started in menswear at Ciro Citterio while pursuing a BA in Human Resource Management & Psychology. His journey includes roles at Harrods, Selfridges, NikeTown, and LVMH. A committed people person, Sean is passionate about nurturing retail talent and plays multiple industry roles.
Sean Ghouse
UK Retail Director, Fortnum & Mason
Simon is a Chartered Surveyor with substantial experience in property asset management and development. Simon joined the Mercers’ Company in 2016, and is responsible for the strategic management and direction of the Mercers’ investment portfolio, comprising substantial ownerships in Covent Garden and the City.
Simon Taylor
Property Director, The Mercers’ Company
Tom is Head of London Real Estate of global law firm Eversheds Sutherland. He specialises in representing occupiers on their HQs, as well as assisting landowners on their investment acquisitions and disposals of retail and office space. He has worked on many of the iconic buildings within the BID.
Tom Goldsmith
Head of London Real Estate, Eversheds Sutherland
Board Observers
Alastair is the Chair of the Corporate Services Committee and has previously served on the Planning & Transportation and Investment Committees. He is also a Partner of Hill Dickinson LLP, Senior Consultant at Londinium PR and a Trustee of Marshall’s Charity.
Alastair Moss
Elected Member, City of London Corporation
Bhakti has lead on high profile tall building and major complex schemes in the Square Mile, from pre-application to delivery, providing strategic oversight on major development schemes and has been involved in the development of the City’s award-winning Wind and Thermal Comfort Guidelines.
Bhakti Depala
Assistant Director of Partnership & Engagement, City of London Corporation
Ruby manages and coordinates projects and initiatives between the City of London Corporation and its’ stakeholders. Ruby brings her experience in Planning, Project Management and Urban Design to work with the City BIDs and Primera to deliver on their plans and agendas.
Ruby Raw
Stakeholder & Programmes Coordinator, City of London Corporation