Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Link Reit), has appointed Neil Slater as CEO effective March next year.

Slater joins from European real estate investment firm Redevco, where he serves as CEO, co-chief investment officer, and chair of the investment committee.

He previously spent more than a decade at Aberdeen Investments, where he was global head of real assets and global head of real estate.

During his tenure, he also led the firm’s Japan business, overseeing the expansion of its local investment management platform. Before joining Aberdeen through its merger with Standard Life Investments, Slater worked at Man Group.

Link said Slater brings extensive leadership experience and a strong track record in real estate investment and asset management.

“I am both excited and humbled to lead Link through its next phase of development,” Slater said.

“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as CEO and work alongside the board and management team at this important time for Link.”

Link chair Duncan Owen said Slater’s experience would support the company’s continued focus on owning and actively managing shopping malls and car parks across the Asia-Pacific region.

“I am delighted Neil has decided to join Link and look forward to working closely with him,” Owen said.

Established in June 2005, Link REIT owns a diversified global real estate portfolio of around 155 assets, primarily comprising commercial, neighbourhood, and suburban shopping centres in Hong Kong and mainland China. The company recently overhauled its leadership team in January.