Barbu is currently Nepi Rockcastle's Group Asset Management Director and has over 25 years of experience in asset management, real estate and retail. He joined the group in 2012 and was appointed as Group Asset Management Director in June 2022, leading operational priorities, business transformation, marketing and property management.

With over 13 years of experience within the group, Barbu has expanded his oversight of portfolios from the country level in Romania to eight geographies across CEE. Prior to joining Nepi, he worked for international organisations including Argo Capital Management, Mivan Development and Unilever South Central Europe.

George Aase, Chairman of Nepi Rockcastle said: "His knowledge of the group, coupled with a track record of performance and contribution to the executive management team, has made him the board's choice to ensure continuity in the role of COO."

Nepi Rockcastle is Europe's third-largest listed retail real estate company by investment portfolio value and the largest owner, operator and developer of shopping centres in CEE. The company's over €8 billion portfolio is located across eight CEE countries and includes 60 properties.