Devonshire Group Appoints New Chief Executive to Drive Expansion
Jul 11, 2018
Stephen Vickers has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Devonshire Group of companies, which represent the interests of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and their family, and the Chatsworth House Trust, including the Chatsworth estate in Derbyshire and Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire.
Following the forthcoming retirement of current CEO Richard Reynolds, Stephen Vickers will assume overall responsibility for the Devonshire Group in January 2019. His role will include the development of a long-term strategy for the group, delivery on several major initiatives planned for the next few years, and responsibility to expand its interests through investment, acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships.
The Devonshire Group is a growing and profitable business employing approximately 1200 staff (650 full time equivalent). Its estates in Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Sussex are spread over 65,000 acres and include commercial, residential and agricultural properties. The group includes visitor attractions at Chatsworth and Bolton Abbey as well as associated shops and restaurants; a pipeline of mostly residential property opportunities totalling some 2000 homes; hotels in Derbyshire and Yorkshire; and a major art collection, mainly based at Chatsworth.
The Duke of Devonshire: “I am delighted that Stephen Vickers has accepted our offer to become Devonshire Group CEO. His success at Buckminster, following his successful career at The Buccleuch Estates provides just the skills and experience that we are looking for.
“Over the last 12 years Richard Reynolds and his team have transformed the Devonshire Group into a business-driven organisation imbued with our values of decency, inclusiveness and constant improvement.
“Stephen’s management ability will fit very well with our team and his personal values align closely with our own core values. In these uncertain times it is comforting to know that the Devonshire Group is in the best possible hands.”
Stephen Vickers is currently Managing Director of Buckminster, a privately owned property holding spanning the Leicestershire/Lincolnshire border and comprised of significant residential, agricultural and commercial property portfolios, where he has been responsible for leading the business and delivery of an ambitious strategy of consolidation and diversification. Much of his earlier career was in estate management and corporate strategy for the Duke of Buccleuch.
Married to Caroline, he has three young sons and spends his free time with his family or pursuing his interests in property renovation, country sports and touch rugby.
The Devonshire Group has also appointed its Chief Financial Officer Andrew Lavery as Chief Executive of the Chatsworth House Trust with effect from 1 August 2018.
