New General Manager Appointed At London’s Wholesale Fruit & Flower Hub

The Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) has announced the appointment of Robert McAuliffe (known as Rob) as its new General Manager. He officially stepped into the role on 11 November 2025, following the departure of Jo Breare, who concluded her 17-year tenure with CGMA at the end of October.

Image courtesy of CGMA

Prior to his appointment, Rob held the position of Head of Interface Management at The Arch Company, a private-equity joint venture portfolio valued at around £1.4 billion, where he oversaw operational programmes across a 5,200-property national estate and chaired its senior leadership team. His remit also included stakeholder engagement with Network Rail, encompassing estate governance, operational compliance and strategic asset management.

At CGMA, Rob will lead the operation of New Covent Garden Market in London’s Nine Elms — an established hub housing more than 150 businesses that supply independent retail, catering and hospitality customers across London and the South East with premium quality produce, plants and flowers.

CGMA Chair Wanda Goldwag OBE welcomed Rob’s appointment, noting the timing of his arrival as “pivotal” due to the ongoing redevelopment of the Market. She emphasised his extensive experience in property operations, sustainability and stakeholder engagement as assets that will support the Market’s ambition to remain “safe, efficient and world-class”.

Rob, for his part, described the Market as “not only one of London’s most important property assets, but also a cornerstone of its food supply network — connecting growers and wholesalers with the retailers and chefs who help keep the city fed and flourishing.” He said he looked forward to working with the CGMA team, tenants and partner businesses “to ensure the Market remains a vibrant, safe and sustainable place to trade for generations to come”.

The arrival of McAuliffe marks a significant leadership transition for CGMA and New Covent Garden Market during a period of transformation, underscoring its commitment to enhancing its role within London’s fresh-produce and hospitality supply ecosystem.