Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator and one of the country’s biggest commercial landowners, has appointed Rupert Joseland as its new group head of property, effective from June 1.
Mr Joseland will also serve as head of property for ABP Southampton, leading a portfolio of more than 8,600 acres across strategic UK locations.
Julian Walker, chief commercial officer for ABP, said: “I’m delighted that Rupert Joseland is joining ABP to take our sector-leading Property function on the next phase of its growth.
READ MORE: Southampton recruitment firm named in Sunday Times Best Places to Work list
“Rupert brings a wealth of experience and a track record of delivering large scale property development and portfolio optimisation.
“Rupert’s appointment also strengthens our Property activities in Southampton where we are bringing forward a number of significant development opportunities.
“This appointment represents an important step for us as we continue to develop and grow ABP’s property offering to the market across the UK.”
With more than 30 years’ experience in industrial, logistics, and mixed-use development, Mr Joseland brings a proven track record in large-scale commercial schemes and partnership delivery.
He previously served as managing director at St Modwen, delivering projects such as the Swansea University Bay Campus and helping develop a logistics portfolio exceeding 10 million sq ft.
Mr Joseland said: “The sector leading scope of the ABP property portfolio and the range of development opportunities is clear.
“What has particularly struck me from my initial conversations with ABP is their ambitious vision for developing and growing their estate.
“I’m excited to be joining ABP to lead the team in realising this ambition.”
READ MORE: Hampshire tutoring company shortlisted for national award
Recent ABP developments include the HELM Immingham project, a speculative scheme at a 227-acre site near Immingham and Grimsby with potential for 1.2 million sq ft of logistics and manufacturing space, 90 acres of automotive open storage, and on-site renewable energy.
ABP has also invested £15 million to unlock more than 40 acres of industrial open storage land at its Cardiff and Newport ports, providing secure, surfaced, and accessible sites ready for immediate occupation.
The company also recently acquired Solent Gateway Ltd, which holds the 35-year lease for the Port of Marchwood.
