- What Atkins to leave after more than a decade in charge
- Why He says that following the COVID-19 pandemic, the time is right to search for a new CEO to lead Hammerson
- What next He will remain in post until spring 2021 at the latest while the board looks for his successor
Hammerson chief executive David Atkins is to step down after more than ten years at the helm.
He will remain in post until spring 2021 at the latest while the board conducts a search for his successor.
The announcement comes after Hammerson’s share price fell almost 70% in three months following the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent collapse of its deal to sell its retail parks to Orion Capital Partners for £400m.
Atkins said it had been “a privilege” to lead Hammerson but that following the pandemic, he felt now was the right time to announce his departure.
He said: “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”.
Chairman David Tyler praised Atkins for his “enormous commitment” in leading Hammerson over the past decade
He said: “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.”
