Chris Cooper has announced he is stepping down from the role of CEO of DTZ Investors later this year following a 34-year career with the investment manager.
Cooper (pictured), who joined the firm in 1992, took on responsibility for the UK business in 2007 and has held the global role since 2013.
He will be succeeded as CEO by Simon Down, who is currently head of pooled funds for the business, with effect from 1 September 2026.
Down has held a number of different roles within the wider Cushman & Wakefield group since 2015 and has been part of the DTZ Investors leadership team since 2018.
Additionally, Chris Sim will be appointed to the new role of chief investment officer from 1 September 2026. Sim has been with the firm for 22 years and currently serves as head of separate accounts.
Cooper said: “Today’s announcement is the culmination of a process we have been working towards since the end of 2024. It has been a great privilege to lead an exceptional team for many years, and I am handing over the reins with total confidence in Simon to take the business forward in the next stage of its growth. I will be working closely with Simon as we transition management responsibility over the coming months.”
Down addd: “Chris’s impact on the DTZ Investors business and our people over a remarkable timeframe cannot be overstated. He has been instrumental in shaping the firm, helping to grow countless careers and putting us in a position to transition to a new leadership structure with confidence. We are excited about the future for our clients and our organisation, with ambitious plans to continue our growth. We hope to announce shortly the recruitment of a new head of capital formation, which will further support the way in which we interact with existing investors, innovate how we target new investors, and drive growth across the business.”
