29/01/2009
ProLogis European Properties (Euronext: PEPR), Europe’s
largest owner of modern distribution facilities, announced today
that Peter Cassells, currently chief financial officer, will become
chief executive officer on 2 February 2009, succeeding Gordon
Keiser. Mr. Keiser, who turns 65 in April, has announced his
retirement.
Mr. Cassells, aged 43, has been PEPR’s chief financial
officer since IPO in 2006. From 2004 to 2006, Mr. Cassells was
first vice president and fund manager for ProLogis in Europe,
responsible for managing PEPR, having been with the group since
2000. Mr. Cassells is based in Luxembourg.
In addition, PEPR also announced the appointment of Luke A. Lands
as interim chief financial officer. Mr. Lands, aged 52, was most
recently chief financial officer - Europe for ProLogis (NYSE: PLD),
PEPR’s external manager.
Chairman Geoffrey Bell said: “We would like to thank Gordon
for his contribution to the business, and wish him well in his
retirement. We are delighted that Peter has agreed to accept this
appointment which recognises his role in developing and
implementing PEPR’s strategy. Peter has been involved in
ProLogis’ European fund business since 2000 and has an
intimate knowledge of PEPR and its business operations. Luke will
be a valuable addition to the management team, providing continuity
during the transition given his financial experience and
familiarity with PEPR's European portfolio.”
Ted R. Antenucci, PEPR Board member and chief investment officer
for ProLogis added: “Gordon has been involved since the
formation of PEPR, both in his prior role as ProLogis treasurer for
12 years, during which time he led all of PEPR’s financing
initiatives, and more recently helped to identify and implement the
strategic initiatives designed to enhance PEPR’s liquidity
and address current market conditions. We are grateful for all his
hard work, dedication and contributions, and wish him all best for
the future.”
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Investor relations
ProLogis European Properties +44 20 7518 8708
Jennifer van der Eem, VP Investor Relations
jvandereem@prologis.com
Media
M:Communications +44 20 7153 1523 or 7153
1549
Ed Orlebar / Charlotte McMullen
orlebar@mcomgroup.com /
mcmullen@mcomgroup.com
Notes to Editors:
Peter Cassells background:
Peter Cassells began his employment with ProLogis in 2000 and has
been responsible for managing investor relations, reporting,
treasury and corporate secretarial functions for the
company’s European fund business.
Previously Mr. Cassells worked with Elsag Bailey Process Automation
NV and Anglo-American plc in various finance and treasury
positions. He is a qualified chartered accountant, having trained
and worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Ireland and The
Netherlands. Mr. Cassells received his Bachelor of Commerce degree
from University College Dublin. In 1990 he qualified as Associate
Chartered Accountant with the ICAI and in 2000 was elected Fellow
Chartered Accountant.
Luke A. Lands background:
Luke Lands began
his employment with ProLogis in 1996 and has been responsible for
ProLogis' accounting operations, internal and external financial
reporting, budgeting and forecasting, and centralised support
services.
Previously, Mr. Lands worked with Lincoln Property Company, a large
diversified real estate firms in a series of senior finance and
accounting positions. Mr. Lands began his career with Arthur
Andersen. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas
and received his B.S. in Business Administration/Accounting,
from California Polytechnic University.
About ProLogis European Properties (PEPR)
ProLogis European Properties, or PEPR, which listed on Euronext
Amsterdam on 22 September 2006, is the largest pan-European owner
of high quality distribution and logistics facilities.
Established in 1999, PEPR is a real estate investment fund
(organised as a Luxembourg closed-ended fonds commun de placement)
externally managed by a subsidiary of ProLogis, the world’s
largest owner, manager and developer of industrial distribution
properties.
As at 30 September 2008, PEPR had a portfolio of 364 buildings, owned both directly and indirectly, covering 8.0 million square metres in 12 European countries, with an open market value estimated at €6.0 billion. The combined portfolio has an occupancy level of 98.5% and an average of 4.8 years to the next lease break or 6.7 years to lease expiry. Of the combined portfolio, PEPR’s directly owned properties comprise 246 buildings, covering 5.2 million square metres in 11 European countries, with an open market value estimated at €3.9 billion.
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