Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Link Reit) has tapped John Russell Saunders as executive director, effective immediately.

Under an interim leadership structure, he will lead the group alongside Ng Kok Siong, executive director and CFO. Both will report to independent chair Duncan Gareth Owen and the Chairs Committee until a new CEO is appointed.

Saunders, who currently serves as group chief investment officer, will continue to focus on investments and third-party capital partnerships.

He will also support and oversee asset management across Link’s existing portfolio, which is managed by Emmanuel Regis Farcis, MD for asset management.

Meanwhile, Ng will oversee all corporate functions, including finance, legal, information technology, human resources and investor relations.

“It is an honour to join the Link board as executive director,” Saunders said.

“I am looking forward to working with Kok Siong, the Chairs Committee, and the wider board and management team through an exciting next phase for Link.”

To support the transition, Owen has agreed to commit additional time under a new arrangement running from January this year to the end of May next year.

While remaining a non-executive chair, he will also provide guidance to the executive directors and oversee the CEO search, appointment and onboarding process.

“The board is focused on Link’s strength and track record in owning and actively managing shopping malls and car parks across Asia Pacific, particularly in Hong Kong, tier-one cities in Mainland China, as well as Singapore and Australia,” he added.

Link Reit owns and manage a portfolio of shopping malls, car parks and other retail assets. Based in Hong Kong, the group focuses on properties across China, Singapore and Australia.