Tom Sleigh has today been appointed the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee Chairman. He will succeed Shravan Joshi MBE with immediate effect, who has taken on the role of the Committee’s Deputy Chairman, uncontested, replacing Graham Packham.

An elected, independent Member, representing the ward of Bishopsgate since 2013, Tom has long been at the forefront of shaping the City’s built environment and cultural life. He previously chaired the City’s Barbican Centre Board, one of Europe’s largest performing arts centres where he launched Barbican Renewal, securing £191m to renovate the iconic centre. 

Commenting on the election, Tom Sleigh said:

“It’s a privilege to be elected Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at such a pivotal moment for The City. Our emerging City Plan 2040 sets a clear, ambitious framework—and I’m determined to deliver it with clarity, confidence and collaboration.

“I want the most beautiful and future-ready buildings in the country to rise in The City - architecture that lifts our spirits as much as our skyline. These must be designs that help shrink our carbon footprint, honour our heritage, and make The City irresistible to young people: a place to work, thrive and belong, drawn by its culture, sustainability and care for wellbeing.

“We have an opportunity to strengthen how we work with heritage groups and stakeholders—through conversations and a shared focus on quality and sustainability. I want to create space for constructive dialogue that helps us deliver the best outcomes for The City.”

Shravan Joshi MBE, who has been Chairman since 2022 and will serve as the new Deputy Chairman, said:

“It has been a great privilege to chair the Planning and Transportation Committee and work closely with the elected members and officers. As the new Deputy Chairman, I will do all that I can to support Tom in his new position, who brings a unique blend of cultural, political, and commercial experience to the role.

“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together in my time as Chairman, in particular the millions of square footage of new office floorspace now under construction, as we continue to deliver the Destination City growth strategy for the Square Mile. And in addition to the new office floorspace, we are seeing the diversification of the City, through new cultural and educational attractions, food and beverage outlets, pocket parks and new sustainability and climate resilience infrastructure.”

Tom has previously chaired the City Corporation’s Investment Committee, overseeing a £4 billion real estate portfolio, including over 20% of the Square Mile’s freehold estate and many of its iconic heritage sites.

In addition to his City Corporation roles, Tom is Chair of Goldsmiths, University of London, and Chair of the South Bank Employers Group which manages the Southbank Business Improvement District, where he champions place-making and cultural-led regeneration across central London. He also co-chairs the Mayor of London’s Cultural Leadership Board.

Tom’s professional background includes senior roles at The Bank of London and Amazon UK, and earlier work with Lloyds Banking Group, the BBC, and Booz Allen Hamilton. He is a Fulbright Scholar and Cambridge graduate.