Former London Olympics boss to lead divisive Marlow film studios construction
The man who helped deliver the London 2012 Olympics has been appointed chairman of Marlow Studios as the film and television project moves into its next phase.
Sir John Armitt, 80, will chair the company’s board, while Max James has been appointed chief executive of the 1.6 million sq ft development. Their appointments follow the Secretary of State’s approval of Marlow Studios in November 2025.
This came despite a series of objections to the project and Bucks Council’s initial call to block the major film complex.
Robert Laycock, who has led the project as chief executive since its inception, will step down from that role but remain a non-executive member of the board.
Sir John chaired the Olympic Delivery Authority from 2007 until after the London Games. He has also been chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission, chief executive of Network Rail and chief executive of construction company Costain.
He has also held chairmanships at City & Guilds and the National Infrastructure Strategic Transformation Authority. Mr James worked at Barings, Lazard and HSBC before becoming chief executive of Quintain and later Blackwall London. He previously led major London developments including Wembley Park, Greenwich Peninsula and Thameside West.
The company says the pair will oversee the creation of what it describes as one of Europe’s most advanced campuses for film, television and digital content.
Mr Laycock will remain involved alongside fellow founders Simon Barrowcliff, William Camoys and John Hartz, who are also non-executive board members.
He said: “Britain plays a leading role in the world’s creative economy, and our production sector has the ability to define the coming era of filmmaking. Marlow Studios is the campus designed to deliver that potential.”
Mr Laycock said he and his co-founders were delighted to have appointed Sir John and Mr James, and looked forward to taking Marlow Studios through its next phase.
Sir John said: “The studios’ construction is a strong vote of confidence in the UK creative and technology sectors, reflecting the world-leading role that the UK plays in the global creative economy.
“This leadership role for the UK is founded on our deep-rooted talent base, our long tradition of creativity and our business excellence. It is a cornerstone of the UK economy of which we should all be proud.
“We owe a great deal to the leadership and vision from the founders that have brought Marlow Studios to this point, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.
“Marlow Studios’ ambition is to help lead the UK creative sector into the next decade and beyond, as a home for some of the world’s most innovative creative talent.”