Former Landsec chief executive Robert Noel is to succeed David Tyler as non-executive chair of Hammerson.
An exact date has not been set for when Noel will join the board, but the REIT said it would be no later than 1 October. He will also chair the nominations committee.
Noel stepped down as chief executive of Landsec in March this year, ending his eight-year reign at the company.
Interview: Rob Noel on stepping down from Landsec
Prior to his time at Landsec, Noel was property director at Great Portland Estates for more than seven years.
He started his career at chartered surveyor Nelson Bakewell, where he worked for 14 years, eventually making his way up to executive director.
Noel is also a senior independent director at Taylor Wimpey and a trustee of the Natural History Museum.
Commenting on the Hammerson appointment, Noel said: “The retail property sector is going through a period of unprecedented upheaval, but I look forward very much to helping the company steer through the challenges it is currently facing and capitalise on the significant opportunities ahead.”
Changes to the Hammerson board continue with the appointment of Desmond de Beer as a new non-executive director.
He is a non-executive director at investor Lighthouse Capital, which has a 15.1% shareholding in Hammerson.
Gwyn Burr, senior independent director at Hammerson, said: “Rob brings with him vast experience of the property industry which will help accelerate the board’s ambitions to put the company back onto a stable footing.
“We are also very pleased to welcome Des, whose experience in retail property and international perspective will make a valuable contribution to the future of Hammerson.”
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