Multi Corporation - Blackstone's retail property platform in Europe - has announced that Jaap Blokhuis will be stepping down as CEO of the business, as of 30 April 2017, making way for the appointment of former Atrium CEO Josip Kardun.
Kardun, who has been a senior executive at CEE-focused Atrium European Real Estate for the past three years, first as COO, and since December 2014 as CEO, will join Multi from 1 April. Prior to Atrium Kardun held various management and leadership positions both at ECE, where he served as chief investment officer, and at Sonae Sierra.
Speaking about leaving Multi, Blokhuis said in a statement: 'I am proud to have led Multi Corporation over the past three years. With my colleagues across 14 countries, we have transformed Multi into a well-capitalised pan-European retail real estate platform, which is well positioned for continued growth in its business segments of shopping malls, factory outlets, retail parks and neighbourhood centres. I would like to thank my colleagues on the management board and Blackstone as shareholder for their support during my tenure.'
Atrium, which is owned by Tel Aviv-listed Gazit Globe, announced just before Christmas that Kardun would be stepping down as CEO to persue other interests. Liad Barzilai replaces him as deputy CEO and will transition to the role of CEO when Kardun's term expires.
'I am delighted to join Multi Corporation and have been impressed by the spirit, initiative, and creativity of the team that I will lead. I look forward to working closely with my new colleagues at Multi and at Blackstone as shareholder to continue to improve and to expand the existing portfolio. I have always admired Multi’s reputation for innovation and excellence, and look forward to building on that key strength in the years to come,' said Kardun.
Kardun is European chairman of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and has a law degree from Goethe University Frankfurt.
In addition, Patrick van Dooyeweert, managing director of Multi Turkey, has been appointed to Multi’s management board as of 1 January 2017. As per 1 April 2017 the management board will consist of Josip Kardun (CEO), Steven Poelman (CFO), Heino Vink (COO), and Van Dooyeweert.
