The new developments remain on schedule for completion later this year and are set to enhance Hyprop’s portfolio of quality shopping centres with additional retail space, an improved tenant mix and increased parking facilities.

Hyprop executives Laurence Cohen, the financial director, and Nicole Greenstone, the group asset manager, jointly took over the reins of the R9,4bn portfolio when former CEO Pieter Prinsloo resigned earlier this year.

Hyprop chairman Michael Aitken said the group would be pleased to welcome Rodel to the board and believed his extensive retail property management and development experience would “strongly” complement the team.

Rodel, a former regional GM for Old Mutual Property Investments, holds a BSc in civil engineering and has more than 17 years’ experience in the property industry.