Partners REIT has appointed Ron McCowan as interim-chief executive officer and president, and Derrick W. West as its chief financial officer.

McCowan is the owner of McCowan and Associates Ltd. He is an entrepreneur with more than 40 years of experience in real estate development, construction, ownership and management.

West recently served as the CFO of an international mining services corporation. He has more than 15 years of experience in financial reporting, tax planning and compliance, treasury management, business development and internal control compliance. He previously served as vice-president of accounting and administration for Plazacorp Retail Properties Limited.

Outgoing CEO Patrick Minuitti will remain a trustee of the REIT.