This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
SHOPPING malls owner Vicinity Centres has appointed COO Peter Huddle as its acting CEO, as the group undertakes a global process to permanently fill the position.
This comes after CEO and managing director Grant Kelley announced his retirement on 31 October, leaving the top job after five-years.
Kelley’s retirement was initially announced as effective from 30 June 2023, but has since been brought forward.
Vicinity is currently appointing executive search firm Egon Zehnder to lead the global search to replace the outgoing Kelley, which will comprise both external and internal candidates, from Australia and abroad.
Huddle joined Vicinity in March 2019 and has played a key role in uniting the group’s management, leasing, operations, development and marketing functions into an integrated customer-focused team.
Prior to his time at Vicinity, Huddle had a long career at Westfield in a range of leadership positions in Australia, Brazil and the US. Huddle was appointed COO of the group following its acquisition by Unibail Rodamco.
During his time at Westfield, Huddle managed major retail and mixed-use developments including Westfield World Trade Centre in New York and Century City in Los Angeles.
“Together with his company and industry knowledge, Peter has the skills and experience to continue delivering value for securityholders,” said Trevor Gerber, Chairman at Vicinity Centres.
“This enables the Board to confidently broaden his exposure by appointing him Acting CEO and allows the bringing forward of Grant’s retirement.”
