KUALA LUMPUR: KIP REIT Management Sdn Bhd has appointed Valerie Ong Pui San as chief executive officer (CEO), effective April 5.
The appointment received approval from the Securities Commission (SC).
Valerie has been mandated to lead the KIP REIT's business strategies, operational plans and corporate exercises to enhance the company's position.
KIP REIT, in a statement, said Valerie is the chairman of KIP REIT's sustainability steering committee, which allows her to oversee the formulation and implementation of KIP REIT's environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts.
Additionally, she is also the deputy chairman of KIP REIT's investment committee.
Previously, Valerie was the group CEO of the KIP group of companies, where she managed the construction, development and leasing of three shopping malls, namely KIPMall Kota Warisan, KIPMall Desa Coalfields and KIP Kuantan master leased to Lotus.
Valerie has developed more than 2.7 million square feet of properties with a gross development value (GDV) of RM1.3 billion and leased more than half a million square feet of retail space.
"I wish to express my appreciation to the SC and KIP REIT for their confidence in me. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead KIP REIT to greater heights and deliver value to our unitholders.
"As the CEO, my immediate focus will be to grow our existing portfolio of retail and industrial assets as we look to acquire potential assets within our investment policy. In addition, I will push ahead with KIP REIT's shift towards sustainability," Ong said.
She added that as an ESG advocate, the company had completed the installation of solar panels on most of the company's assets save for the master leased properties.
"Looking ahead, I am keen to further integrate sustainability efforts in our day-to-day operations and enhance our ESG framework. I am excited for the road ahead as CEO of KIP REIT," Valerie said.
