After completing various projects within Hammerson, James believes it's time to look for a new opportunity.
Hammerson has announced that James Lenton will be stepping down as its group CFO.
The company said that a search for his successor is underway and that James will continue as CFO until his successor has joined the company.
About his resignation, James said:
“Following successful completion of the rights issue, VIA Outlets disposal and induction of the new chair of the board and CEO, I feel now is the right time to look for a new opportunity. I remain fully committed in the role until my successor is in place.”
James is a qualified CA(SA) with extensive experience in financing, capital allocation and business transformation, gained through senior roles at global financial and professional services organisations.
From 2014 to 2018, James was CFO and a board member of AIG’s European Group, where he delivered new profitability and financing strategies, and which he originally joined in 2013 as deputy CFO for EMEA.
Prior to AIG, James worked at EY. In 2006 he was appointed partner, providing a range of assurance and advisory services, including M&A, financing and external audit. From 2011 he was responsible for developing a new global strategy for the Insurance Assurance practice.
James joined Hammerson on 16 September 2019 and was appointed as CFO on 1 October 2019. In addition to leading the finance team at Hammerson, James is responsible for the company’s health and safety, as well as IT.
