Hammerson CEO to retire in 2026
Hammerson has announced that its chief executive Rita-Rose Gagné has announced her intention to step down from the business and retire in 2026.
Gagné – who has been CEO at the real estate investment trust since November 2020 – will remain with the business over the next 12 months while a successor is identified.
Hammerson said its board will now commence a formal and thorough recruitment process for its next CEO and provide further updates in due course, including the date on which Gagné will step down from her position.
Robert Noel, chair of Hammerson, said: “On behalf of the board and the Hammerson team I would like to thank Rita-Rose for her outstanding leadership and immense contribution to the business since November 2020.
“During this time, she has driven a substantial turnaround, transforming and strengthening Hammerson into the largest UK-listed, pure-play owner and manager of prime retail and leisure anchored city destinations. The company is now well positioned to continue to deliver growth and value creation.”
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.
Rita-Rose Gagné added: “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.”