Capital & Regional names new chief executive

Capital & Regional, which owns six shopping centres across the UK, has named Lawrence Hutchings as its new chief executive, replacing Hugh Scott-Barrett, who after nine years in charge has decided to step down from his role.

Scott-Barrett will become non-executive chairman following the retirement of John Clare. The changes will become effective on June 13, 2017.

Hutchings will join Capital & Regional following four years at Blackstone in Australia where he has served as managing director for the past two years. Prior to that, he was at Hammerson for four years, the last three as managing director of UK retail. He also spent almost seven years at Henderson Global Investors.

Tony Hales, senior independent director, said: “Lawrence Hutchings not only brings a deep understanding of UK retail from his senior management roles at both Hammerson and Henderson Global Investors but a real passion for the sector.

“His skills and expertise, together with his experience at Blackstone, will be very valuable for the future growth of Capital & Regional, building on the significant momentum achieved by the company over the past few years.”

Hutchings adding: “Capital & Regional is a highly entrepreneurial and well-regarded business with a strong track record of delivering accretive asset management and development initiatives. The Company also has a great portfolio which offers many opportunities and I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to lead the Company as it enters its next phase of growth."

Capital & Regional owns six shopping centres in Blackburn, Hemel Hempstead, Luton, Maidstone, Walthamstow and Wood Green. It also has a 20 percent joint venture interest in the Kingfisher Centre in Redditch and a 50 percent joint venture in the Buttermarket Centre, Ipswich.

Image: courtesy of Capital & Regional - The Mall, Maidstone