LONDON — Urban regeneration giant Canary Wharf Group has appointed Safina Mirza as director of communications, in a newly-created role.

Mirza brings more than 20 years’ communications experience across the infrastructure, development, construction, transport and education sectors. She joins Canary Wharf Group from The Euston Partnership, a collaboration between the public and private sectors including all stakeholders in the major transport and site redevelopment around Euston in London.

Previously, Mirza spent five years at HS2, the company responsible for developing and promoting the UK's new high speed rail network, as head of campaigns. She also spent seven years at Teneo as an associate director and was has also been head of community relations for BAA Heathrow and head of marketing and communications at the Learning and Skills Council.

Canary Wharf Group (CWG) is the developer of the largest urban regeneration project in Europe, including transport, housing, green spaces, retail, hospitality, arts and events. The company’s current £2 billion construction activity and pipeline includes commercial properties and more than 2,300 new homes.

Mirza reports directly to CEO Shobi Khan, who has refreshed the company’s approach to communications since he joined at the end of 2019; recent initiatives have included the launch of a flexible office service, a partnership with Kadans Science Partner to create a wet lab as a centre for health and life sciences, a partnership with The Eden Project to create a 'green spine' running through London's financial district, and an open water swimming venue.

Khan said: “Safina is someone we have long admired, and I am delighted she is joining our team. Safina will be responsible for our communications strategy and will work closely with senior management as we continue to further develop the extraordinary environment at Canary Wharf.”

Mirza added: “I am delighted to be joining CWG at such a pivotal time. There is so much potential here as CWG develops, manages and currently owns interests in approximately nine million square feet of mixed-use space. The opportunity to work somewhere which has such a distinct impact on the built environment and is centred on creating the very best environment for the people who live, work, and visit Canary Wharf is hugely appealing.”