(20 September 2016, Hong Kong) Taubman Centers, Inc. (NYSE: TCO) has announced that Peter J. Sharp will assume the position of president, Taubman Asia, as current president René Tremblay transitions to chairman of Taubman Asia effective January 1, 2017. In his role, Sharp will report to Taubman Centers, Inc. Chairman, President and CEO Robert S. Taubman and will be responsible for the company’s operations and growth strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.
Sharp, a 20-year veteran of Walmart International, is leaving his post as president of Walmart Asia Realty where he oversees the company’s Asia real estate portfolio, mall developments and has been responsible for all aspects of business planning, real estate, realty partnerships and mergers and acquisitions. He has led the company’s expansion in China and entry into India, Japan and South Korea.
“Asia is an important growth vehicle for Taubman and our future success in the region will rely greatly upon Peter’s expertise and leadership,” said Taubman. “We are delighted to welcome him to the executive team next year.”
“Guohua Jean Zhang, managing director, China of Taubman Asia, also said: “China is a crucial market for Taubman Asia. We are very excited to be working with Peter and are confident that our future success in China will greatly benefit from Peter’s expertise and leadership.”
Tremblay joined Taubman in 2010 as president of Taubman Asia. He is responsible for the company’s expansions in the region that include the ground-up development properties in China, CityOn.Xi’an (opened April 2016) and CityOn.Zhengzhou (opening March 2017), and Starfield Hanam in South Korea (opened Sept 9, 2016). He also led Taubman’s third party management and leasing efforts behind The Boulevard at Studio City in Macau and IFC Mall in South Korea.
“René is a tremendous, highly respected leader who has expertly guided us through our entry into the Asian market,” said Taubman. “He has built an outstanding platform for our future growth in the region and we thank him for his numerous accomplishments as he assumes this new role.”