NEPI Rockcastle names Marius Barbu chief operating officer

NEPI Rockcastle N.V. has appointed Marius Barbu as its new chief operating officer (COO), effective from April 1, 2026. Barbu will succeed Marek Noetzel, the current COO and CEO-designate. He has also been nominated as a director, with his election anticipated at the annual general meeting in May 2026. This appointment underscores the company's commitment to continuity and leveraging internal talent.

Barbu brings over 25 years of experience in asset management, real estate, and retail. He joined NEPI Rockcastle in 2012 and was promoted to group asset management director in June 2022. In this role, he has overseen strategic operational priorities, business transformation, marketing, and property management across eight geographies in Central and Eastern Europe. Prior to NEPI Rockcastle, Barbu held positions with international organizations such as Argo Capital Management, Mivan Development, and Unilever South Central Europe.

George Aase, chairman of NEPI Rockcastle, lauded Barbu's "unrivalled understanding of, and sound experience in, the operational dynamics" of the company's portfolio, citing his deep knowledge, proven track record, and significant contributions to the executive management team as key factors in his selection. The board expressed confidence that Barbu will play a pivotal role in shaping NEPI Rockcastle's market-leading operations, reinforcing the effectiveness of the company's talent management and people development strategy.