Land Securities turns to SABMiller for first-ever legal chief
FTSE100 property company Land Securities has appointed its first group general counsel and company secretary.
Adrian de Souza, who currently heads up brewing company SABMiller’s legal operation in Europe, will take up the newly created role on 1 November. The move comes after Land Securities’ company secretary Peter Dudgeon announced he was stepping down after more than a decade in the role.
De Souza, who will report to Land Securities CEO Martin Greenslade, is a former senior associate at Clifford Chance. Commenting on his appointment, he said: “They’re a company with an impressive history and I look forward to taking over from Peter and playing a part in the exciting times that lie ahead. It’ll obviously take me a little while to get to know the business and I’m glad that Peter will be staying on for a handover period to help me settle in.”
Dudgeon added: “Land Securities has never been dull and after 12 years the time feels right to take a break before looking for a new challenge. I wish Adrian well in the role and look forward to helping him get to know the company and the property world over the coming weeks.”
De Souza will lead a 10-strong legal team, including six lawyers and head of legal services Clive Ashcroft. While Ascroft is mainly responsible for
property matters, De Souza will oversee corporate finance and M&A.
For property matters the company uses Nabarro, Eversheds, Dundas Wilson, Hogan Lovells and Freshfields, and for corporate uses Slaughter and May and Linklaters.
Land Securities employs around 700 people last year posted a turnover of £821.2m.
