// Landsec eyes former Debenhams chair Sir Ian Cheshire as new chairman
// The property giant is looking to replace Cressida Hogg as soon as this month
Landsec has lined up the former Debenhams chair Sir Ian Cheshire as its next chairman.
The property giant, which owns nearly 50% of Bluewater shopping centre, is looking to replace Cressida Hogg as soon as this month, Sky News reported.
Cheshire has an extensive retail background, having run major retailers during his career, including Kingfisher, the owner of DIY retailer B&Q.
He also chaired Debenhams before being ousted by Mike Ashley, whose Sports Direct brand had the largest share.
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Cheshire is currently the chairman of Channel 4, a role which he joined just nine months ago.
The search for Hogg’s successor has been led by Edward Bonham-Carter, the former Jupiter fund management chief, who sits on the board of Landsec as its senior independent director.
Hogg is leaving to take the chairmanship of BAE Systems.
The news comes as Landsec recorded “strong leasing activity” in its retail spaces in November after shoppers returned to physical stores.
The property owner reported leasing activity with £10 million of lettings on average, 1% above valuers’ assumptions, and a further £31 million in solicitors’ hands, 3% ahead of valuers’ assumptions.
