New chair for Bullring shopping centre owner

Hammerson, which owns the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham, has appointed a new chairman.

David Tyler steps down, while industry veteran Robert Noel moves into the role.

Noel has built a long career in the real estate sector most notably at Great Portland Estates and Land Securities Group. In March of this year he stepped down from Landsec, where he had held the role of chief executive for the past eight years.

Noel is also senior independent director at Taylor Wimpey and a trustee of the Natural History Museum.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining Hammerson. The retail property sector is going through a period of unprecedented upheaval, but I look forward very much to helping the Company steer through the challenges it is currently facing and capitalise on the significant opportunities ahead.”

Gwyn Burr, the senior independent director at Hammerson, said: “Rob brings with him vast experience of the property industry which will help accelerate the Board’s ambitions to put the company back onto a stable footing.

“The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank David Tyler for his huge commitment and energy as chair over the past seven years.”