Simon Marriott, UK managing director of Oxford Properties, has left the firm after his employment was terminated late last month.
A spokesman for the real estate arm of Canadian pension fund OMERS said: “I can confirm that Simon Marriott has left Oxford Properties.
“We have no further comment to give at this time.”
Market sources were “shocked” by the departure of Marriott, who reported to Oxford’s senior managing director for Europe, Paul Brundage.
One source said: “Simon had spearheaded some great deals for the firm, but was a very different character to Paul Brundage.”
It is understood the Toronto-based firm is currently looking both internally and externally for a replacement for Marriott, who joined the firm in January 2010 to lead a significant acquisitions drive in London and continental Europe.
His responsibilities are currently being handled by the 15-strong team in the London office, which opened at the end of 2008 as a base for its European operations.
Marriott is thought to be considering his options but has no immediate plans.
The former UK head of acquisitions for private equity property investment advisory firm MGPA has completed a number of high-profile deals for the Canadian giant, which has $20bn (£12.6bn) of assets under management globally.
This includes teaming up with British Land to develop the 610,000 sq ft Leadenhall Tower, EC3, and the £400m purchase of Green Park office campus in Reading, Berkshire.
Last month it formed a 50:50 joint venture with New York-listed Brookfield on London Wall Place, EC2, which is earmarked for a 500,000 sq ft scheme.
Marriott previously held UK-focused investment roles at Invista Real Estate Investment Management, Quintain and Rockspring.
