06-08-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Poaching of property executive Owens shows competition heating up between Dundrum and Blanchardstown
Falcon AM, the asset management company which operates Blanchardstown Centre, has hired Mr Owens as its CEO, a similar position to the one he held heading up the Ireland operation at Hammerson PLC, where he had responsibility for three of Ireland's major shopping centres: Dundrum Town Centre, the Ilac Centre and Swords Pavilions.
In that role, he revitalised Hammerson's Irish portfolio by attracting new anchors and diversifying income through introduction of more leisure and food and beverage brands. This diversification will be enhanced by Hammerson's imminent completion of a 122 rental apartment scheme in Dundrum.
Mr Owens also secured one of the largest property refinances in Europe in 2025 with a €350m debt facility secured on Dundrum.
However, his ambitions were thwarted when An Coimisiún Pleanála refused permission for the replacement of Dundrum's older shopping centre with an 800-plus new apartment scheme.
Prior to joining Hammerson, Mr Owens was head of asset management and recovery at Nama where he managed a multi-billion euro Irish and international real estate and non-performing loan portfolio.
Blanchardstown Centre was acquired last year by Strategic Value Partners (SVP), the US investment firm, some of whose assets are managed by Falcon. SVP paid about €562m for the retail complex which covers 1.2 million sqft and houses over 180 shops and restaurants. That was a substantial discount to previous prices paid for the centre.
Anders Hemmingsen, managing director of commercial real estate at SVP, said: 'Connor's deep industry knowledge, proven track record in strategic leadership, and his exceptional ability to drive value in complex real estate environments make him the ideal leader to deliver the next phase of Blanchardstown Centre's growth and development.'
To support Mr Owens in his new role, Falcon has also promoted Aoife Foley as chief financial officer of Falcon. She has been finance controller. Bernard Nulty has been appointed as chief operating officer leading asset and property management functions. He has been on the asset management team at Falcon AM since 2019 and oversaw Blanchardstown Centre's portfolio.
