Hammerson lines up AEW boss as next chief executive
Hammerson is set to appoint Rob Wilkinson, currently chief executive officer of AEW Europe, as its next boss.
He will replace Rita-Rose Gagné – who announced earlier this year that she would be stepping down from the business and retiring in 2026 – as chief executive of the real estate investment trust, Green Street News has reported.
Hammerson is expected to make a formal announcement next week.
Wilkinson joined AEW in 2009 and served as chief investment officer for the firm’s European operations before being made chief executive in 2014.
His other appointments include vice-chair of INREV’s management board, and a non-executive position on the board of Derwent London.
Prior to joining Hammerson, Gagné was president of growth markets at Ivanhoé Cambridge, responsible for over £5.9bn of real estate assets, platforms, and a development pipeline across Asia Pacific and Latin America. Having joined Ivanhoé Cambridge in 2006, she held a variety of positions including executive vice president of global strategy, portfolio management and investment funds, covering the North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, India, and Latin America markets.
Speaking in June, Rita-Rose Gagné said: “In 2026 I will have been with Hammerson for an incredible five years, during which time I have been privileged to work with our talented teams to transform our culture, balance sheet and portfolio, returning the business to growth.
“We are successfully executing a clear growth strategy and have tremendous momentum for sustainable long-term value creation. With the business in great shape, a strong team, and significant opportunities ahead, it is an exciting time for Hammerson and the right time for me to pass on the baton.”