James Gray retires as Cluttons CEO, John Gravett takes over

Cluttons announces that after 35 years with the business James Gray is retiring at the end of August. Following a sustained period James has handed over to John Gravett who has become CEO.

James has led Cluttons for the last nine years and over that period, has been responsible for restructuring, modernising and growing the business, transforming it to become a real asset specialist and spearheading growth in the infrastructure, residential and commercial sectors. 

During his tenure, James was responsible for leading the business through a number of industry, political and economic hurdles including Brexit and the pandemic. James led the management buyout of the business in 2023 and with this transition complete, now hands over to John.

Established in 1765, Cluttons is one of the oldest firms of chartered surveyors in the UK. As the business prepares to celebrate its 260^th anniversary, John Gravett, who has been with the business since 2004 has stepped up from his position as Managing Director to succeed Gray as CEO.

With the convergence of the infrastructure and property sectors and a specialist focus in both areas, Cluttons’ has become a market leader in real asset advisory services. The business also continues to expand geographically, most recently in Glasgow which followed Newcastle and Manchester, and has been bolstering its offer with a number of senior strategic hires to support future facing advice for clients.

John Gravett, said: “James has been an inspirational leader throughout his long career at Cluttons. His calmness and courage during a tumultuous period, coupled with his good humour and sound judgment, has helped build the business into one of the best regarded practices in the UK, and set the foundations for further growth. Personally, I would like to thank him for his friendship and mentorship, I am genuinely excited about the opportunities for Cluttons and I look forward to building on the excellent platform that James has cultivated.”

James Gray, said: “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities Cluttons has offered me. When I became CEO of one of the sector’s best-regarded brands nine years ago, my goal was always to hand on a better business to my successor than the one I inherited. I hope that is the case and have every confidence that John and his team will build further and that Cluttons will go from strength to strength.”