Link Asset Management Limited (Link), the manager of Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Link REIT, Hong Kong stock code: 823), today (Friday) confirmed the initiation of its interim leadership structure and its strategic direction.

The previously announced appointment of John Saunders, Group Chief Investment Officer (Group CIO), as Executive Director was effective 1 January 2026. Mr Saunders will work together with Kok-Siong Ng, Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer (Group CFO), as an interim leadership structure. They report to Link’s Chair Duncan Owen and the Chairs Committee until a new Group CEO is appointed.

Mr Saunders will continue to focus on investments and third party capital partnerships, and he will also support and oversee asset management of the existing portfolio which is led day-to-day by Emmanuel Farcis (Group Managing Director, Asset Management). Mr Ng will lead all the corporate functions including finance, legal, IT, human resource and investor relations.

Mr Saunders said: “It is an honour to join the Link Board as Executive Director. I am looking forward to working with Kok Siong, the Chairs Committee and wider Board and Management team through an exciting next phase for Link.”

The Board is running an international search process for a new Group CEO working with a global recruitment firm. Link is seeking a proven real estate investor and business manager of a listed company who can lead the next phase of the Group’s strategy. Given the seniority of the role, and the focus on external candidates, it is expected that the search and appointment will be a rigorous process that will take time.

Mr Owen will continue to be positively engaged and has agreed to commit more time as Independent Non-Executive Chair of Link under a new arrangement running from 1 January 2026 until the end of May 2027. He will not take an executive role at Link but will ensure comprehensive coverage for the process of the Group CEO search, appointment and subsequent onboarding.

Link is committed in the future to deliver its “REIT Plus” offering characterised by resilient and sustainable returns for Unitholders through market cycles, with potential for above-average earnings growth.

Speaking about strategy, Mr Owen said: “Despite the challenges mentioned in the latest interim results announcement, the Board is committed to focus on the company’s strength and track record in owning and actively managing shopping malls and car parks in Asia Pacific, namely in the key markets of Hong Kong, tier-one cities of Chinese Mainland as well as in Singapore and Australia. Link REIT’s Unitholders can expect that no less than 80% of Link’s balance sheet capital will be invested in this core competency. Link will also continue to develop new capital partnerships where it may co-own and/or manage third party capital as well as exploring value-add opportunities for higher returns, providing further diversification and to enhance returns and Unitholder value.”

Further details regarding this news release can be found in the announcement published by Link REIT on the HKEXnews website today.

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About Link Asset Management Limited

Link Asset Management Limited (Link) is a leading, independent, and fully integrated real estate investor and manager focusing on the APAC region. It manages Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Link REIT, Hong Kong stock code: 823), one of the largest REITs in Asia, and its real estate investment portfolio. Link also aims to leverage its investment management capabilities to serve as a trusted investment manager to capital partners through its business line, Link Real Estate Partners.

Building on its strong track record over almost two decades, Link targets to deliver resilient returns and growth to its unitholders. Link offers a “REIT plus” investment case through its strategic focus on diversifying the Link REIT Portfolio across geographies and asset classes in APAC and expanding its investment management business.

Link aspires to be the trusted partner in APAC real estate sector for unitholders, capital partners, tenants, and the wider communities it serves.

For more information about Link, please visit https://www.laml.com/en/.