The UK real estate and property management sector has undergone a rapid digital transformation, driven by smart buildings, tenant experience platforms, data-rich leasing systems, and complex third-party ecosystems. As portfolios grow more connected and operational technology converges with traditional IT, cyber risk has become a board-level concern. The leaders below are shaping how security, resilience, and digital trust are embedded into some of the UK’s most influential property organisations.
Margareta Osti – Information Security Manager, British Land
Margareta Osti is the Information Security Manager at British Land, where she leads day-to-day information security operations across a major UK real estate portfolio. She is CISSP and EC-CISO certified, with strong experience managing security teams, service providers, tooling, and specialist consultants.
Her approach combines deep technical expertise with a pragmatic, risk-based mindset that prioritises business transformation and measurable outcomes. Margareta focuses on aligning security controls with business priorities, ensuring that protection mechanisms support innovation rather than slow it down. Her leadership reflects the growing need for security functions that can operate effectively within complex, technology-enabled property environments.
Craig Gunnell – Information Technology Operations and Security Manager, Hammerson
Craig Gunnell serves as Information Technology Operations and Security Manager at Hammerson, bringing more than 20 years of experience across IT, security, and governance. He is known for his hands-on leadership style and his ability to motivate teams while maintaining strong alignment with organisational values and objectives.
Craig implements pragmatic, cost-effective security solutions that meet both IT and compliance requirements. His defence-in-depth approach uses layered controls to provide comprehensive protection and risk remediation. With extensive experience in IT architecture and operations, he consistently positions technology as a business enabler that supports performance without compromising service delivery or resilience.
Nick Morgan – Associate, Cyber Security & Infrastructure, Derwent London
Nick Morgan heads up the Cyber Security and Infrastructure function at Derwent London plc. He is responsible for security architecture and for aligning IT governance, risk, and compliance with strategic and regulatory requirements.
A dynamic information security leader, Nick has extensive experience building security programmes from the ground up. He focuses on strengthening organisational resilience by proactively evolving controls to meet emerging threats. His work emphasises embedding security awareness across the business while ensuring that governance frameworks directly support long-term commercial objectives.
Chris Cook – Interim Head of Digital and Technology, Great Portland Estates (GPE)
Chris Cook is the Interim Head of Digital and Technology at Great Portland Estates, with over 20 years of international leadership experience across IT, digital transformation, and cyber security. His background spans a wide range of sectors, including aviation, transport, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and private-equity-backed organisations.
Chris brings deep expertise in enterprise platforms such as ERP, CRM, digital commerce, and cloud technologies, alongside strong experience in ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, and IT governance frameworks. He is particularly skilled in leading large-scale transformation programmes, managing substantial budgets, and engaging senior stakeholders to deliver secure, scalable digital change within complex organisations.
Khadir Fayaz – Senior Vice President, Digital & Technology
Khadir Fayaz is a Senior Vice President of Digital and Technology, operating at executive and board level to lead large-scale digital transformation programmes. He oversees global functions spanning data, AI and analytics, enterprise architecture, cloud platforms, and digital transformation offices, managing hundreds of resources across multiple regions.
A visionary technology leader, Khadir is recognised for applying advanced analytics, GenAI, and agentic AI to unlock productivity and deliver measurable business outcomes. His experience spans PropTech, FMCG, FinTech, EduTech, and consulting, with a strong focus on integrating people, process, and technology. His leadership highlights how cyber resilience and secure digital platforms are becoming foundational to modern property and real-estate-adjacent businesses.
Why Cyber Leadership Is Now Central to UK Property Businesses
As real estate organisations evolve into technology-driven operators, cybersecurity leadership is no longer a support function. It is a strategic necessity. From smart buildings and tenant data platforms to AI-driven decision-making, the individuals featured here demonstrate how security, governance, and digital trust are being embedded into the future of UK real estate and property management. Their work is shaping a sector where resilience, innovation, and confidence in digital systems go hand in hand.