Property developer Hammerson have appointed a new director from retail rivals Westfield.

Iain Mitchell has been recruited as the company's new UK Commercial Director.

Mr Mitchell has 20 years worth of retail estate experience gained at Healey and Baker, Dalgleish, CBRE and most recently Westfied, where he was involved in the Australian developer's leasing activities at Westfield Derby and Stratford City.

Hammerson and Westfield are locked in a bitter struggle with both companies wanting to develop Croydon's Whitgift Centre.

Westfield submitted its plans to Croydon Council last month, with Hammerson expected to submit their plans later this year.

Hammerson Chief Executive David Atkins said: "As we look to increase our engagement with both existing and prospective retailers and capitalise on opportunities which arise as a result of the way in which consumers use retail space, Iain's experience and appraoch will prove hugely beneficial to Hammerson."