Shopping centre landlord Hammerson has announced that. with the agreement of the Board, David Atkins has decided to step down as chief executive of Hammerson plc (“Hammerson”). He will remain in position until spring 2021 at the latest, while the Board conducts a search for his successor.
David Atkins said: “It has been a privilege to have led Hammerson for over ten years and I am proud of the many achievements and the incredible colleagues I have worked with. The current environment, exacerbated by the impact of Covid 19, is undoubtedly the most challenging we have faced as a business. I feel now is the right time to search for a new chief executive, a person who can not only lead the business as we emerge from this period, but also into its next chapter”.
David Tyler, Chairman, said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank David for his enormous commitment in leading Hammerson during the past decade. He has led the Company with ambition, passion and integrity, creating a culture that will live far beyond his time. He has developed Hammerson significantly through the growth of our premium outlets business, the geographical diversification of our portfolio, our market leading sustainability framework and the establishment of our City Quarters strategy. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him until a successor is appointed.”