Gina Szymanski appointed CFO of UK property developer Hammerson

UK property development and investment business Hammerson has appointed Gina Szymanski as chief financial officer (CFO) and a director of the company. Szymanski is expected to assume her new role and join the board no later than January 1, 2027.

Szymanski will relocate to the UK prior to officially taking up her position at the company.

"I am delighted to welcome Gina to Hammerson," said Hammerson chief executive officer Rob Wilkinson in a press release. "She brings a combination of deep sector expertise, capital markets insight and a strong track record of value creation. Having spent more than two decades investing in global listed real estate, she has a clear understanding of what drives shareholder returns and the evolving needs of investors."

Strategic expansion and executive leadership

Szymanski joins the London-based business from US real estate investment manager AEW Capital Management, where she currently serves as global securities chief investment officer, based in Boston, Massachusetts. She began her career as a forensic accountant and equity analyst, later developing experience across finance, capital markets, investment, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and corporate strategy.

Hammerson chair Robert Noel noted that Szymanski's background across real estate investment, finance, capital allocation, and strategy will complement the existing leadership structure as the business advances its corporate objectives.

"I am thrilled to be joining Hammerson at this point in its journey," commented Szymanski. "Looking across the global real estate landscape, I am excited about the opportunities in the retail sector. I see Hammerson as ahead of the curve, uniquely positioned operationally and financially to take advantage of those growth opportunities. I look forward to working with Rob, the board and colleagues across the organisation to build on the momentum and deliver sustainable growth for shareholders and all our stakeholders."