Leigh Johnson has been appointed Managing Director of Barking Riverside Limited (BRL), the master developer behind East London’s largest residential development. Her appointment is significant for London’s housing sector as she will lead the next phase of delivery at Barking Riverside — shaping a place that will define the future of the capital. 

Leigh joins BRL from Wates Residential, where she was Regional Development Director for London leading on joint venture projects such as those with the London Borough of Harrow. She has previously held senior leadership positions at four of the UK’s top five housebuilders, where her focus has been on large, complex and multi-phase housing delivery schemes. Bringing an essential blend of public and private sector expertise, Leigh also worked at Homes England for three years, where she had a national remit to lead the agency’s master developer functions and to safeguard pace whilst also raising design quality.  

Led by BRL, a joint venture between the Mayor of London and L&Q, Barking Riverside is delivering thousands of new homes and facilities within an area the size of London’s Hyde Park, which was formerly occupied by the historic 1920s Barking Power Station. Once complete, up to 50,000 Londoners will call Barking Riverside home.

Leigh’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Barking Riverside. A new Outline Planning Application – which was submitted in 2024 and is due to be determined in 2026 – sets out BRL’s ambition to deliver up to 20,000 homes across the development. This was the largest residential planning application in England last year, with next year’s determination marking a major milestone for the project.

Supported by a £124 million infrastructure funding package from Homes England, BRL is currently advancing a significant programme of works to unlock these new homes and to provide essential infrastructure for the growing community. Over the next 12 months, key deliverables include:

-        Enhancing access to the River Thames, inclusive of a new pedestrian promenade, play, public seating and upgraded flood defences.

-        The creation of a major Boulevard park, with dedicated spaces for sport and play.

-        The launch of new health facilities, shops and restaurants.

-        Several strategic land sales, which together represent over 3,000 new homes. 

Leigh’s arrival will mark a defining year for BRL’s staff team and Board, which will shape the future of the project for years to come.

Ed Farnsworth, Co-Chair of the BRL Board and Executive Group Director for Finance at L&Q, comments: “We are pleased to have appointed Leigh Johnson to the role of Managing Director. Leigh brings with her a blend of contractor, developer and government experience – a mix that reflects the crucial partnership working at the heart of BRL. Barking Riverside has always been about supporting growth, connection and community. That vision remains unchanged, with Leigh’s leadership able to unlock more critically needed homes for London, whilst promoting transformative, community-led development.”

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and BRL Board Member, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Leigh to the BRL team, where her diverse housing expertise will help us deliver not just high quality new homes, but a truly sustainable and liveable neighbourhood. We look forward to seeing the Barking Riverside development progress as we continue working to build a better, greener, more prosperous London for all.” 

Leigh Johnson comments: “I’m proud to be joining BRL at this critical and energising moment in its evolution. This is a nationally significant project and a career-defining opportunity, not only because of the scale of homes being delivered, but also because of the credibility and commitment of the partners involved. 

Leigh’s appointment follows the end of Matthew Carpen’s tenure as Managing Director, who has been in post for 12 years. Matthew will take up his position as CEO of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, another Mayor of London project, later this Autumn.

Leigh is expected to start her new role as Managing Director in November 2025, enabling BRL to enter 2026 galvanised under her leadership.