John Bywater, Hammerson UK managing director, is to join Yorkshire based Caddick Developments as managing director

He is set to retire from Hammerson’s main board in March and will join Caddick Group’s development arm shortly after.

Bywater, who has been at Hammerson for nine years, will replace Caddick Developments managing director Paul Caddick, who will retain his role as chairman of the development and construction divisions.

Bywater will lead an expansion of its development division. Its schemes currently include a £200m Vineyard Gate development in Colchester, as well as Quarry Hill and the Victoria Embankment, in Leeds.

He will work closely with Richard Weatherhead, Caddick’s long standing development director.

Caddick said: ‘John’s appointment comes at a time when we are increasingly active in the retail sector with plans to build upon our considerable expertise in both retail and urban regeneration in important towns and cities such as Colchester and King’s Lynn.’