Lyn Garner is to step down from her position as chief executive of London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) after more than six years at the organisation. Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, chair of LLDC, will also step down at the end of his current term after eight years at the body set up to deliver the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The pair are leaving the organisation as, almost two decades on from London being awarded the Games, the organisation prepares to undergo an evolution to the next stage of the highly successful Legacy project.  Over the last eight years their leadership has seen several challenges including the pandemic years and significant economic downturn.  Nevertheless, the organisation has remained on track delivering thousands of homes in the park and wider area, overseeing the development of new business and cultural districts and the opening of East Bank, a new cultural and education district with buildings for the V&A, Sadler’s Wells, BBC Music, and new campuses for UCL East and UAL’s London College of Fashion, together with the new V&A Storehouse at Here East and a rebuilt Hackney Wick station.  They have also overseen putting the Park and venues, including London Stadium, on to a more commercial footing to reduce the financial impact on taxpayers. 

Following the return of LLDC’s Town Planning powers at the end of 2024 to the neighbouring boroughs, LLDC will be a smaller organisation but no less dynamic and ambitious in its objectives. It will focus on driving growth and inward investment to east London; overseeing world class venues and the long-term estate and commercial management of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; realising the continuing delivery of legacy and inclusive economy aims; and driving delivery of high standard residential developments.

Lyn has held various leadership positions in the housing, regeneration and finance sectors throughout her career, spanning more than 35 years.

She joined LLDC from Haringey Council where she had been Strategic Director of Regeneration, Planning and Development since July 2011. Her responsibilities included the ambitious Tottenham and Wood Green Regeneration Programmes.  

Prior to joining Haringey, Lyn’s career had spanned senior leadership roles at Hammersmith & Fulham and a secondment at the GLA as Executive Director for Development & Environment with responsibilities including transport, planning, environment and sustainability. In 2022 Lyn was appointed Senior Professional Lead for Housing by the Mayor of London and leads a collaborative programme of work across the various development entities under the Mayor’s control, in addition to her work at LLDC. 

Since 2016 Lyn has also chaired of Future of London, an independent network for regeneration, housing and economic development.

Lord Hendy took up his role as chair of LLDC in the summer of 2017 and has almost 50 years’ experience of working in the transport and infrastructure sector in London. He has been Chair of Network Rail since 2015 – a position he retains. 

He was previously Commissioner of Transport for London for nine and a half years, including managing transport during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The Chief Executive and Chair roles are currently out for recruitment and both Lyn and Lord Hendy will remain in post until their successors have been appointed and started work.

Speaking to the London Assembly on February 22, 2024, Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, praised the pair saying that they “are two of the finest [public servants] I’ve worked with. The transformation from the inheritance I had, because of the teams they have built up and the work they have done, is transformative.”

Lyn Garner said: “After nearly seven brilliant years, it will be the right time to hand over the reins as the organisation evolves. LLDC comprises a body of hugely talented individuals who, together with partners, have achieved an enormous amount since its creation in 2012. We have transformed Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park into a thriving new part of the city, working and delivering with the talented and diverse communities around us. We have delivered thousands of homes, two new business districts and brought thousands of jobs to the area.  On a personal basis, it has been a tremendous pleasure and privilege to have worked alongside such dedicated colleagues, and globally significant partners, in the construction and development of East Bank – the impact of which will be felt by east Londoners for decades to come.”

Lord Hendy added: “We are proud to have delivered the greatest Olympic and Paralympic legacy. We have regeneration projects and major event organisers from around the world coming to the Park to see how we have delivered a lasting legacy in partnership with local people. There is still much to do, however, to ensure that we build on the progress to date, to deliver against our strategic objectives.  I am confident that those remaining, along with the new leadership, will inherit a strong platform from which to build and further develop excellence.”