// Hammerson finance chief to step down from role

// The shopping centre owner has begun search for replacement

// James Lenton will remain in his role and as executive director until a successor is found

Hammerson has said its chief financial officer James Lenton is due to step down from the company.

The property giant has now begun a search for his replacement, although Lenton will remain in his role and as executive director until a successor is found.

Lenton took up the top finance role just 15 months ago, before Hammerson hired the former Canadian president of growth markets at a real estate firm, Rita-Rose Gagné as its new chief executive in September.

READ MORE: Hammerson to add Dublin listing before Brexit deadline

“Following successful completion of the rights issue, VIA Outlets disposal and induction of the new chair of the board and chief executive, I feel now is the right time to look for a new opportunity,” Lenton said.

Gagné said: “James was instrumental in navigating and conducting the rights issue and VIA Outlets disposal. I am grateful for his support and commitment to continue until his successor joins. We wish him well for the future.”

Last month, Hammerson said it was seeking a secondary listing in Dublin before the UK’s Brexit transition period came to an end.

The Bullring shopping centre owner said it was pursuing a listing on Euronext Dublin, as it seeks to guarantee that EU investors will be able to trade its shares on a legally recognised market.

The company is not planning to raise new funds or issue new shares in relation to the plan.

Hammerson’s properties in France are valued at £1.2 billion and in Ireland at £800 million.

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