The Crown Estate Paving Commission welcomes the opportunity to recognise outstanding contributions that have been made by individual Commissioners towards the organisation, its management and the care of those parts of our capital city where it has jurisdiction.
The appointment of Commissioners Emeritus is made to give due honour and recognition to a retired Commissioner who has given exemplary service.
Appointees become select senior advisers to the Commission, willing to make themselves available to offer expertise and wisdom for the benefit of the organisation and its stakeholders. Appointment is normally made for life.
Our Commissioners Emeritus are:
Sir John Ritblat
Sir John Ritblat
Sir John Ritblat Appointed as a Commissioner Emeritus in January 2012 after serving as CEPC Commissioner for over 40 years, Sir John has for many years been the wise counsel to whom the other Commissioners have turned and he has never failed to produce sound and effective advice. A long-time resident of Regent’s Park, Sir John is involved with many of the organisations that are situated here, as former Chairman of the Governing Body of the London Business School, Vice Chair of International Students House and Deputy Chairman of the Royal Academy of Music. He has displayed an enduring love of this part of London, a desire to maintain its very special character and a commitment to making this happen.
Alan Diamond OBE
Alan Diamond OBE
Alan Diamond OBE became a Commissioner in March 1997 and served for nearly 14 years, retiring in 2011. During his tenure he was a tireless supporter of the Commission and its role in managing areas of Regent’s Park. His common sense approach and humour have always been appreciated by those working with him. As a long standing resident of the park, Alan Diamond brought to bear his experience in business and finance to the benefit of the Commission and the park. He is also noted for his extensive charitable work in support of good causes.
Elizabeth Watson
Sadly, Elizabeth passed away in August 2020. She will long be remembered and missed by those of us who knew her for her wise counsel; encyclopaedic knowledge of the history and background of the organisation; willingness to share her views and knowledge; and for her contribution to the CEPC.
Elizabeth Watson served as a Commissioner for 21 years between 1987 and 2008 and during her long term of office was actively involved in many important CEPC decisions and developments that have advanced both the organisation itself and the landscape of Regent’s Park – the part of London that has been close to her heart for such a long time.
The CEPC’s gardens and its gardening staff have always been a particularly high priority for Elizabeth. She was a founding member of the Gardens Committee and remains a member today, even after her retirement as a Commissioner.
Elizabeth’s keen interest in the historical roots of the CEPC, its estate and gardens, has undoubtedly enhanced the CEPC’s decision making, while her research and knowledge of the CEPC’s archives and minute books have often proved invaluable in ensuring that the lessons of the past are reflected in the solutions found to the problems of today.
