Melanie Leech joined the British Property Federation in 2015, following nine years as Director General of the Food and Drink Federation. She began her working life as a Police Constable in the Metropolitan Police Service. Leech joined HM Customs in 1988 and subsequently held senior roles in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Office of the Rail Regulator and the Cabinet Office. Her role is to champion UK real estate and to promote a sustainable partnership between governments and the sector to deliver a high quality built environment.