Intu names Matthew Roberts as new chief executive
Shopping centre owner Intu has promoted Matthew Roberts to the post of chief executive.
Due to take up his role on 29 April, Roberts will succeed David Fischel who is leaving the business on 26 April.
In a statement, Intu said the search process for Fischel’s replacement included the consideration of both internal and external candidates. Roberts has been Intu’s chief financial officer since 2010 and the company said he would be well placed to drive forward its strategy.
It is currently looking to reduce its debt to assets ratio to below 50% through disposals, part-disposals and introducing partners to assets. Intu said Roberts had a strong track record at Intu of successfully recycling capital, with over £1 billion of assets having been sold since he joined the company.
Prior to Intu, Roberts was chief financial officer of Gala Coral where he led the acquisition of Coral. His previous roles also include being finance director of Debenhams where he managed the department store’s IPO in 1998 and sale in 2003. He has also held senior roles at Top Shop/Top Man and The Burton Group.
John Strachan, chairman of Intu, said: “Matthew has been an exceptional CFO at intu. This, combined with his extensive and relevant experience, including his proven expertise in leading strategic transformation projects, means he is absolutely the right person to lead this business going forward.”
Fischel has worked with Intu since 1985 and took on the chief executive role in 2001.
Strachan said: “David’s substantial contribution to Intu’s affairs over many years has been outstanding and he will be greatly missed by the board and all of Intu’s staff.”
The company said the process to recruit a new chief financial officer will begin imminently. In the meantime, the position will be filled on a temporary basis from Intu’s finance team.
