Shopping centre giant Hammerson has appointed a new chief executive.
The listed group has hired Rob Wilkinson who will join the London-based business at the end of the year, succeeding Rita-Rose Gagné who announced in June that she planned to retire after five years in the role.
Mr Wilkinson has been chief executive of real estate investment firm AEW Europe since 2014, prior to which he spent five years as its chief investment officer for Europe.
He also served for eight years as a non-executive director at housebuilder Grainger and has been a non-executive director of investor Derwent London since last year.
Mr Wilkinson brings 30 years of experience in real estate investment markets having previously worked at Goodman Group, Eurohypo and UBS.
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He will join Hammerson's board in December as chief executive officer designate and commence his role formally in January.
Hammerson owns and manages retail and leisure properties across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ, Ireland and France including famous destinations such as Birmingham's Bullring and Grand Central, Cabot Circus in Bristol and Brent Cross in London.
Chairman Robert Noel said: "Rob is an established and proven real estate leader who brings a wealth of experience and a track record of delivering shareholder value.
"Through a rigorous recruitment process, Rob stood out from a strong field of candidates as someone who was able to translate strategic insight into shareholder value creation through exceptional leadership.
"On behalf of the board, I welcome Rob to Hammerson and look forward to working with him when he joins the business in December."
Mr Wilkinson added: "I am honoured to have been appointed as chief executive of Hammerson and look forward to working with the team.
"Under Rita-Rose's leadership, the company has completed a major turnaround of the portfolio and restructured the balance sheet, firmly establishing Hammerson in a new phase of growth.
"I am excited to continue this journey, advancing the company's unique portfolio of prime retail and leisure anchored city destinations."
