'Callous' career man Victor So takes helm of Urban Renewal Authority
Victor So seen as capable by former colleagues, but lawmaker says he left 'very bad' impression
A former Link Reit chief - a man a lawmaker has described as "callous and conservative" in their past dealings over housing - has been appointed to head the Urban Renewal Authority.
Victor So Hing-who, 66, a supporter of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, is to replace Barry Cheung Chun-yuen as authority chairman.
Cheung resigned from all his public posts when police began investigating his failed Hong Kong Mercantile Exchange (HKMEx) last month.
"So is a veteran in urban renewal and public and private sector developments," Secretary for Development Paul Chan Mo-po said yesterday.
"His extensive experience and stellar track record in the field will inspire confidence in the continued success of the URA."
So, a qualified surveyor, starts a three-year term on June 15. In the past 40 years, he has held key posts such as property director of the MTR Corporation, chief executive of the Housing Society and also of the Link Real Estate Investment Trust. He was also executive director of Sun Hung Kai Properties and Kerry Properties.
So said: "Since early 2011, I have retired from all my engagements and positions with the private sector and have concentrated on public and voluntary work." He said he would work closely with the authority "in a 'people-first, district-based and public-participatory' approach".