Martin Breeden has been appointed development director, with responsibility for development across the UK. He will continue to oversee intu’s Spanish business which has a major development focus.

Julian Wilkinson has been appointed as asset management director, responsible for optimising the performance of intu’s UK shopping centres.

Both Martin and Julian will report to David Fischel, chief executive, and join the Group Executive Comittee.

Matthew Roberts, chief financial officer, will assume responsibility for centre based operations whilst retaining his existing responsibilities. As a result, Gordon McKinnon, operations director, will now report directly to Matthew. With these appointments and changes, the former role of chief operating officer will not be directly replace

David Fischel commented: “These appointments highlight the strength and depth of senior management within intu. They also ensure we continue to have high quality and experienced people focused on delivering our strategy of optimising asset performance, driving development momentum and seizing the growth opportunity in Spain. I wish Matthew, Martin and Julian every success in their revised roles.”

Butterworth joined Intu Properties in 2010 following the intu Trafford Centre transaction at the end of 2010.

According to Fischel, “Mike has made a substantial contribution to Intu over the past five years, during which the Group’s total assets have increased from £5 billion to £9.5 billion”.