Hammerson plc has announced the appointment of Connor Owens as its new Director of Ireland.
Mr Owens will head up Hammerson’s Irish business, and lead the operation across its portfolio, which includes Dundrum Town Centre, the ILAC Centre, and Swords Pavilions.
He joins Hammerson from Ireland’s National Asset Management Agency (NAMA), where he was the head of asset management and recovery, reporting to the Board on the delivery of the €1bn division’s strategic, operational, and financial objectives.
As part of this, he was responsible for developing strategies for mixed use developments, and for driving returns from NAMA’s retail portfolio. Prior to joining NAMA, he worked in real estate advisory and banking.
Mr Owens is expected to formally join the business in February 2021.
Mark Bourgeois, managing director UK & Ireland, said: “While market conditions are undoubtedly challenging, Connor joins at an exciting time for our Irish business, as we look to build on Dundrum’s continued popularity and maximise the potential of City Quarters. Connor’s sector experience combined with his detailed understanding of the Irish market will be a real asset to the business.”
Connor Owens said of his appointment: “Hammerson Ireland has the strongest retail portfolio in the country, and in City Quarters there is a real opportunity to drive value by working with key stakeholders to develop a best in class mixed-use portfolio. I am really looking forward to joining such a strong team and helping the business overcome the near-term challenges and deliver on its significant potential.”
