News

• Chris Cooper will step down as CEO later this year after a 34-year career with the investment manager
• He will be succeeded as CEO by Simon Down, currently Head of Pooled Funds for the business
• Chris Sim will also be taking on a new role as Chief Investment Officer

LONDON, 13 July 2026 - DTZ Investors has today announced a planned leadership succession that will see CEO Chris Cooper step down later this year after a 34-year career with the investment manager. Cooper joined the firm in 1992, taking 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, currently Head of Pooled Funds for the business, with effect from 1 September 2026. A lawyer by background, Down has been with the wider Cushman & Wakefield group in a range of roles since 2015 and part of the DTZ Investors leadership team since 2018.

Additionally, Chris Sim is to be appointed to the new role of Chief Investment Officer, also effective from 1 September 2026. Sim is a seasoned investment professional who has held several discretionary fund management and European asset management leadership roles during his 22 years with the firm. He currently serves as Head of Separate Accounts.

Chris Cooper, CEO, DTZ Investors, 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.”

Simon Down, Head of Pooled Funds and incoming CEO, DTZ Investors, said: “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.”