Martin Jepson has resigned as head of the London group at UK and French real estate investment trust Hammerson. The FTSE 100 company did not give reasons for Jepson's departure in a statement on Monday, except to say he would leave later in the summer to 'explore new opportunities'.

The news came days after Hammerson acquired the virtual freehold of a 26-storey office tower in the City of London from investment manager Prupim for £100 mln (EUR 111 mln). Hammerson owns a real estate portfolio in the UK and France valued at £5.3 bn (almost EUR 6 bn). The portfolio comprises investments in 17 major shopping centres and 17 retail parks as well as seven London office buildings.

Peter Cole, executive director and chief investment officer, will assume Jepson's responsibilities while a search is undertaken for a successor.

Jepson joined Hammerson as managing director of its London group in April 2008. From 2005 to 2008, he was UK Managing Director of Howard Holdings. Prior to this, he was London regional director at Taylor Woodrow Property Company and development director at Delancey.