Leading London office provider Argyll has appointed Emily Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer. Emily brings over 20 years of experience in the capital’s office market and most recently served as Argyll’s COO, where she led the recovery of operations following the pandemic to finish 2025 at record occupancy of 92%. In her new role, she will guide Argyll’s next phase of growth, building on these high occupancy levels and sustained demand for premium flexible workspace.
The appointment follows Argyll’s £11 million acquisition of 33 Chancery Lane — the first addition to its owned portfolio in nearly 20 years. The 23,000 sq ft property is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment and is expected to launch in early 2027.
Following its acquisition by Crosstree Real Estate Partners in May 2025, Argyll’s next phase of growth is supported by an ambitious investment strategy focused on acquiring new properties and enhancing the existing portfolio. The company remains committed to delivering premium, experience-led offices in prime central London locations, meeting the growing demand for high-quality workspace in the capital, with personal service, prestigious properties and exceptional design at its core.
Emily brings extensive industry experience to her role as CEO, garnered from key players in the flex industry including Executive Offices Group and IWG. Over the past five years as Argyll’s COO, she has led substantial transformation, re-imagining the business post-Covid, including a £23 million refurbishment programme and a comprehensive overhaul of business operations. These achievements earned her Property Week’s ‘Woman of the Year – Commercial’ at the 2024 Inspiring Women in Property Awards.
Emily Smith, CEO, commented: “I am delighted to be stepping into the role of CEO at Argyll and to work alongside our partners at Crosstree Real Estate. Following our acquisition of 33 Chancery Lane, there is real impetus for growth in the business, and we are ready to capitalise on the significant opportunity to expand our portfolio and deliver our premium product to the market. 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 rebuild the business in 2021, will be stepping into the new role of Chairman. He comments “Like me, Emily is part of the fabric of Argyll and 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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