Kearns is a chartered engineer with roots firmly entrenched in the technical aspect of property development, and he brings a wealth of experience to the position. His responsibilities will include managing the V&A Waterfront's bold long-term development plans.
The appointment comes after an extensive search for the right person to drive the rapidly expanding development portfolio. With his experience of mixed-use and multi-purpose projects in South Africa and abroad, Kearns was the perfect candidate and well placed to take up the development reins which includes exciting new projects lined up for the next 10 years.
Kearns was qualified in the UK and cut his teeth with Mott MacDonald and Connell Wagner where he led a team involved in the roll-out of Walmart stores in China, as well as the development of the new airport terminal in Hong Kong.
Other project highlights during Kearns' career include:
Commenting on the appointment, V&A Waterfront CEO David Green said on 26 June, "Development at the V&A Waterfront has upped a gear and requires strong leadership to drive the active development phase we are in. We have found that in Martin Kearns. A significant development pipeline in conjunction with Mr Kearns' appointment is also a reflection of our shareholders' willingness to invest in the property."
Speaking on his appointment, Kearns said, "The V&A Waterfront is one of the prime development sites in not only South Africa, but Africa too. It is an honour to take on this role and the new challenge it presents."