contribution he has made over the past 15 months,” APG & Co chairperson Peter Birtles said. “We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.” Hopkinson has been a part of the business for 14 years, and has been integral in developing the group strategy for the business’ brands: Sportscraft, SABA and JAG. The Iconic appoints Dean Chadwick in new role Lifestyle platform The Iconic has appointed its first chief customer officer, Dean Chadwick.  Chadwick will lead the product and marketing teams; he formerly served as interim CEO of Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program. The newly created position replaces the chief marketing officer role, which has been vacant since Alexander Meyer left last November. “The Iconic is a business I have long admired,” Chadwick said. “But it wasn’t until I met the team that I really understood exactly how ‘customer obsessed’ it truly is. Every single business decision is made with the shopper in mind, which makes the CCO position incredibly exciting.” Scentre Group’s Peter Allen signals retirement Scentre Group’s inaugural CEO and managing director, Peter Allen, will step down after eight years in the role. Allen will pass the title over to current CFO Elliott Rusanow on 1 October 2022, as part of a succession plan, before retiring in 2023.  “Scentre Group is in a great position, and the time is right for new leadership to accelerate our growth ambition,” Allen said.  “I’ve worked closely with Elliott over many years, both at Scentre Group and Westfield Group, and I am confident that he will take advantage of the many opportunities ahead.” Scentre Group chairperson Brian Schwartz said under Allen’s leadership the business had developed a strong culture focused on its people, its customers, and its communities. “Peter’s vision, dedication and hard work has changed the way we operate and placed Scentre Group in a strong and leading position,” Schwartz said. “His industry leadership, over many years, is to be commended.” Ikea announces new India CEO Global furniture business Ikea has announced Susanne Pulverer will head up its India business, following the news that former CEO Peter Betzel will step down. The Economic Times reported that Pulverer is the first female CEO for the business’ India branch, and that she has held a position in market development in Delhi’s NCR (New Capital Region).  In India, Ikea operates two big-box outlets, as well as its first smaller city-centre format locations.