DTZ Investors CEO to step down after 34-year career
The CEO of DTZ Investors is to step down later this year after a 34-year career at the investment management firm.
Chris Cooper – who has been with the firm since 1992 – will be succeeded by Simon Down, currently head of pooled funds, in September.
Cooper took on responsibility for DTZ Investors’ UK business in 2007, and has held the role of global CEO since 2013.
His successor Simon Down is a lawyer by background and has been with the wider Cushman & Wakefield group in a range of roles since 2015, and part of the DTZ Investors leadership team since 2018.
In addition, Chris Sim is to be appointed to the new role of chief investment officer, also effective from September. Sim is a seasoned investment professional who has held several discretionary fund management and European asset management leadership roles during his 22 years with the firm. He currently serves as head of separate accounts.
Chris Cooper, CEO of DTZ Investors, said: “Today’s announcement is the culmination of a process we have been working towards since the end of 2024. It has been a great privilege to lead an exceptional team for many years, and I am handing over the reins with total confidence in Simon to take the business forward in the next stage of its growth. I will be working closely with Simon as we transition management responsibility over the coming months.”
Simon Down, head of pooled unds and incoming CEO of DTZ Investors, added: “Chris’s impact on the DTZ Investors business and our people over a remarkable timeframe cannot be overstated. He has been instrumental in shaping the firm, helping to grow countless careers and putting us in a position to transition to a new leadership structure with confidence.
“We are excited about the future for our clients and our organisation, with ambitious plans to continue our growth. We hope to announce shortly the recruitment of a new head of capital formation, which will further support the way in which we interact with existing investors, innovate how we target new investors, and drive growth across the business.”