Ric Lewis appointed Chair of The Crown Estate
- The Crown Estate
The Crown Estate is pleased to announce that Ric Lewis has been appointed as the next Chair of its Board, with effect from 9 July 2025. Ric will succeed Sir Robin Budenberg CBE who has been Chair of The Crown Estate since August 2016.
The Crown Estate, which is overseen by an independent Board, is set up to act in the long-term national interest across its diverse £16 billion1 marine, urban and rural portfolio in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The announcement follows Ric’s confirmation as the preferred candidate in December 2024, and the subsequent period of pre-appointment scrutiny by the Treasury Select Committee. (read more here).
Ric has over 35 years of experience in the real estate investment sector and is currently the Executive Chair and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Tristan Capital Partners, a real estate investment manager he founded in 2009.
Sir Robin Budenberg CBE, Chair of The Crown Estate, said: “Ric is an outstanding leader whose experience and values align strongly with The Crown Estate. Under Ric’s leadership, I am confident the Board will continue to ensure The Crown Estate delivers the best outcomes for the nation.”
Ric Lewis, incoming Chair of The Crown Estate, said: “It is an honour to take on the role of Chair for an organisation that is both growing its impact for the UK today and striving to make a difference for future generations. I am excited by the opportunities ahead and look forward to working closely with my fellow Board members and the leadership team to build on what has already been achieved and to further realise the potential of this special organisation.”
Dan Labbad, Chief Executive of The Crown Estate, commented: “Ric brings with him a wealth of experience, tenacity and strategic thinking. This will be critical as we continue to step up our ambition, ensuring every part of the business is realising its potential for benefit of the country’s finances and its future. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Robin who has been integral to our transformation to date, and I look forward to working with Ric as we welcome him to The Crown Estate.”
Ric serves on a number of Boards including Legal and General Group Plc, the Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation, Dartmouth College (USA), and The Earthshot Prize.
In 2000, Ric founded his own charitable foundation, The Black Heart Foundation dedicated to improving educational access, quality, and outcomes for underprivileged young people. The foundation has provided educational scholarships to over 750 Black Heart Scholars at 160 institutions throughout the UK (and US).
This appointment was made in accordance with the Code of Practice published by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The position is appointed by His Majesty The King under Royal Warrant, following recommendation by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Prime Minister.