Hammerson plc has announced the appointment of Connor Owens as its new Director of Ireland. Connor will head up Hammerson’s Irish business, and lead the operation across its high quality portfolio, which includes Dundrum Town Centre, the ILAC Centre, and Swords Pavilions.
Connor, a fellow chartered accountant, has extensive experience of both running and driving value from retail, office, and mixed use assets, and of managing and motivating teams to ensure they deliver key strategic objectives. He has also worked closely and productively with a broad range of international Joint Venture partners, as well as other key stakeholders.
Connor joins Hammerson from Ireland’s National Asset Management Agency (NAMA), where he was the Head of Asset Management & Recovery, reporting to the Board on the delivery of the €1bn division’s strategic, operational, and financial objectives. As part of this, Connor was responsible for developing strategies for mixed use developments, and for driving returns from NAMA’s retail portfolio. Prior to joining NAMA, Connor worked in real estate advisory and banking.
Connor is expected to formally join the business in February 2021.
Mark Bourgeois, Managing Director UK & Ireland, said: “While market conditions are undoubtedly challenging, Connor joins at an exciting time for our Irish business, as we look to build on Dundrum’s continued popularity and maximise the potential of City Quarters. Connor’s sector experience combined with his detailed understanding of the Irish market will be a real asset to the business.”
Connor Owens said: “Hammerson Ireland has the strongest retail portfolio in the country, and in City Quarters there is a real opportunity to drive value by working with key stakeholders to develop a best in class mixed-use portfolio. I am really looking forward to joining such a strong team and helping the business overcome the near-term challenges and deliver on its significant potential.”