Taubman Asia names new president

Taubman Asia president Peter Sharp has resigned after almost three years in the role.

Parent Taubman Centers has announced Sharp’s replacement will be Paul Wright, executive VP and global head of leasing, who will relocate to Hong Kong and take up the new role on January 1.

“We thank Peter for his contributions and his steadfast commitment to driving the company’s growth in Asia,” said Robert Taubman, chairman, president and CEO of Taubman.

“Paul’s significant relationships with global retailers and partners, and his knowledge of the Asia market, has been an important part of our business in the US and abroad,” said Taubman. “This promotion is the natural next step for Paul, and his competencies will be essential as we prepare to open Starfield Anseong in South Korea in 2020 and evaluate other opportunities in the region.”

Wright, joined Taubman Asia in 2006. During his tenure, he led the leasing program for the company’s ground-up development properties in China — CityOn. Xi’an (opened April, 2016) and CityOn.Zhengzhou (opened March, 2017), as well as Starfield Hanam (pictured) in South Korea (opened September, 2016). He also led leasing of IFC Mall in South Korea, a center for which Taubman Asia previously provided leasing and management services.

Prior to joining Taubman Asia, Wright worked with Citta Management Limited where he was responsible for leasing, property management and retail operations at the Taipei 101 Mall. He also held management roles with Lendlease Corporation in Asia and Jones Lang Wootton in Perth and Sydney. An Australian, Wright speaks Mandarin Chinese and English.