Packaging giant DS Smith has appointed Matthew Stone as its new group property director, who is tasked with strengthening the company’s property strategy following a number of corporate acquisitions over the past few years.
A corporate real estate specialist, DS Smith noted that Mr Stone has demonstrable experience in helping large, global companies manage their property strategies while reducing costs.
He joins DS Smith from Place Consulting where he was a strategic property adviser for two years, providing corporate real estate advice to companies undergoing structural or industry change such as Sainsbury’s and NHS England. Prior to this, he worked at M&G Real Estate, Kingfisher, and Cushman & Wakefield.
Mr Stone said, ‘I’m delighted to be joining DS Smith, where the Group proposition and multinational offering creates an exciting new property challenge.
‘As the company successfully adjusts and integrates following extensive M&A activity and the impact of Covid-19, I look forward to helping it achieve even greater results.’
Reporting to Iain Simm, group general counsel and company secretary, Mr Stone succeeds Steve Cook, who has retired after 27 years at DS Smith.
Mr Simm said, ‘DS Smith’s multinational offering and vast workforce makes property strategy and management a crucial element to operating effectively. Matthew brings with him a wealth of experience to benefit the wider group.
‘We’re pleased to welcome Matthew to DS Smith following the retirement of Steve Cook, who we’d like to express our gratitude to after 27 years in the business.’
