David Atkins, CEO of UK property company Hammerson, has been appointed as chairman of the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA).

With more than 200 active members, EPRA represents over EUR 250 bn of real estate assets and 90% of the market capitalisation of the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Europe Index.

Speaking at the industry body's annual conference on Thursday, Atkins said that the key role listed property firms play in European economies mean they are vital to a sustainable economic recovery.

'Property lies at the heart of the real economy - through the delivery and financing of real estate, providing significant investment in the regeneration of major cities across Europe and facilitating employment and business growth. Listed real estate is the most liquid and transparent way of accessing this market and it is vital that EPRA and the industry work closely with government and regulators in finding solutions that contribute to a sound and sustainable economic recovery.'

Atkins takes over as EPRA chairman for two years from Guillaume Poitrinal, CEO of Europe's largest listed real estate company Unibail-Rodamco.

In addition to the appointment of Atkins, there have been a number of other changes to EPRA's executive board and board of directors detailed below:

Executive board
David Atkins, Hammerson (new chairman)
Patrick Kanters, APG (joining)
David Sleath, Segro (joining)
John Carrafiell, Green Oak (leaving)
Ian Coull, Segro (leaving)
Serge Fautre, Cofinimmo (leaving)

Board of Directors
Olivier Piani, Allianz (joining)
Charles Saiag, BNP Paribas (joining)
Ulrich Höller, DIC Asset AG (joining)
Chris Turner, Thames River Capital (leaving)
Patrick Kanters, APG (leaving)