Link REIT names John Russell Saunders executive director amidst CEO search

Ng Kok Siong joins him in the Link REIT interim structure.

Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Link REIT) appointed John Russell Saunders as Executive Director, effective 1 January 2026, following the departure of Group CEO George Kwok Lung Hongchoy.

Ng Kok Siong will lead Link alongside Saunders under an interim structure, reporting directly to Independent Chair Mr. Duncan Gareth Owen and the Chairs Committee.

According to a press release, Saunders will focus on investments and third-party capital partnerships, whilst supporting and overseeing asset management.

Ng will lead corporate functions, including finance, legal, information technology, human 
resources and investor relations.

Owen will provide guidance and support to the executive directors whilst overseeing the search, appointment, and onboarding for the new Group CEO, committing additional time to the interim arrangement.

He will receive $2.85m per year and restricted stock units worth $1.99m per year, in line with the recommendation of Link’s Remuneration Committee and approval by the Board.

Link REIT is currently focused on owning and managing shopping malls and car parks across the Asia-Pacific region, including Hong Kong, tier-one Chinese cities, Singapore, and Australia.

Unitholders can expect that no less than 80% of the group’s balance sheet capital will be invested in these core assets.

The group also plans to explore third-party capital partnerships and value-add opportunities, further diversifying and enhancing returns for unitholders.