Hammerson appoints UK and Ireland operations director

Shopping centre owner Hammerson has appointed Howard Ebison as its new operations director.

Ebison will drive the operational performance of its flagship destinations across the UK and Ireland, overseeing the delivery of “excellent” consumer experiences, and creating “commercially compelling” venues for Hammerson’s brand partners.

According to the group, he has “extensive” experience in managing teams, having held a range of senior positions at high profile, consumer-focused businesses across the hospitality and travel sectors.

Ebison’s most recent role was at Manchester Airports Group, where he led the retail and customer development of Manchester Airport’s £1bn transformation programme, overseeing the digital and commercial product development within the new terminal.

He has also held the commercial director and customer service and security director positions at East Midlands Airport, and was commercial director at No.1 Traveller and spent his early career at Mitchells and Butlers.

Mark Bourgeois, managing director UK and Ireland, said: “With operational excellence and a step change in the occupier line up at the centre of our strategy, the agility, commercial focus and expertise of our talented teams at our venues is increasingly important.

“Howard is joining Hammerson to lead this evolution and will bring a valuable new perspective to the UK and Ireland leadership team.”

Ebison added: “Hammerson has an unrivalled portfolio of flagship destinations across the UK, as well as a compelling strategy to deliver for both consumers and brands. I am really looking forward to being part of the team and my new role in helping shape its continued success.”