Link Real Estate Investment Trust's manager appointing a new chief executive isn't likely to alter the strategic direction of the Hong Kong-listed REIT, say DBS Group Research analysts in a note. The REIT manager has appointed Neil Slater as CEO, effective March next year, and he is likely to bring extensive global real-estate experience from his past roles at Redevco and Aberdeen Investments, the analysts say. Nonetheless, the REIT should remain focused on its "back-to-basics" strategy, disposing noncore assets and returning excess capital to unitholders through buybacks, they say. These sales and buybacks could provide a near-term boost to units despite interest-rate uncertainty. DBS maintains its buy rating and target price of 43.65 Hong Kong dollars. Units closed at HK$37.34. (megan.cheah@wsj.com)