Shopping mall landlord Vicinity Centres has appointed acting chief executive Peter Huddle to the top post permanently, succeeding Grant Kelley, whose departure was fast-tracked last year after a sexual harassment complaint.

After a distinguished career at retail property giant Westfield, Mr Huddle joined Vicinity in 2019 as its chief operating officer. Seen as a safe pair of hands, he emerged as a clear favourite to lead the $9.5 billion company when it first flagged Mr Kelley’s retirement.