A forward -thinking commercial property professional with over 15 years of experience. Expert in retail property and placemaking with a dedication to long-term financial success. Known for effective advising and accurate financial forecasting. Driven by a passion for optimising retail-focused asset management, I have forged a dynamic and successful career marked by proficiency in enhancing diverse portfolios across the retail focus, industrial, and Build-to-Rent sectors. With an extensive background in managing the 5th largest tourist attraction in London and navigating intricate African markets, I bring a unique blend of market expertise and cultural understanding to the realm of retail asset management.
My ventures into complex African markets have honed my skills in adapting to diverse consumer behaviours, providing me with a nuanced perspective crucial for effective retail asset management. My proficiency in placemaking principles enables me to conceive and implement innovative concepts that align with current trends and community needs, fostering unique and engaging environments.
Notably, I have played a pivotal role in steering leasing initiatives, cultivating robust relationships, and strategically planning for sustained success. My track record underscores a consistent ability to generate positive commercial and community impacts, illustrating my commitment to fostering mutually beneficial outcomes in every venture.
In addition, my experience extends to collaborating with prominent national brands and managing convenience stores, showcasing my capacity to engage with major stakeholders and drive results for well-established entities. Furthermore, my hands-on involvement in shopping centre management, catering to both individual landlords and funds, highlights my versatility and adaptability in navigating diverse contexts within the retail asset management landscape.
During my time at Get Living, I assumed the role of Retail Asset Manager, contributing significantly to the organisation's success through my expertise in placemaking and adept asset management across diverse sectors. I had the privilege of overseeing the retail portfolio of three active Built-to-Rent developments strategically positioned in key London locations such as Elephant and Castle, Stratford, and extending my impact to Manchester all totally close to 200,000 sq. ft of retail.
Taking the lead on new development projects in Birmingham, I spearheaded the retail strategy as part of the mobilisation team. This role allowed me to showcase my proficiency in not only managing existing assets but also in strategically shaping and guiding retail initiatives for emerging projects. My portfolio encompassed an array of assets, including Food & Beverage establishments, leisure facilities, convenience stores, and a mix of national brands and independent retail shops. A cornerstone of my success lies in my ability to excel in managing both landlord and tenant expectations. This achievement is attributed to my commitment to fostering strong and understanding relationships, allowing for transparent communication and alignment of objectives.
In my role, I leveraged data-driven tools to gain profound insights into consumer behaviour. This analytical approach empowered me to make informed decisions that not only optimized commercial outcomes but also contributed to the overarching goal of superior placemaking. By actively listening to the needs and preferences of the community, I ensured that the spaces under my management were not only commercially successful but also resonated positively with the people they served.
I fostered a wealth of experience managing a diverse and high-profile portfolio that includes iconic destinations like Camden Market, Stables Market, Lock Market, Buck Street Market, and the Hawley Wharf development. All this stretches across 311,000 sq. ft of retail space which makes up from small independent shops to nightclubs, Michelin stars restaurants to big leisure activities. One of my notable achievements is the successful sourcing of new tenants for vacant retail units, introducing innovative concepts such as Tomb Raider (owner of Crystal Maze London), and transforming previously unused storage spaces into lucrative leisure activities. This creative approach not only revitalised the retail spaces but also contributed to the overall vibrancy and profitability of the portfolio. The successful acquisition of high-profile tenants, including renowned brands like Ray-Ban, All Saints, and Fred Perry, highlights my ability to attract and secure prominent players in the retail industry. Simultaneously, I remain dedicated to supporting independent brands and emerging businesses, fostering a diverse tenant mix. A testament to my commitment to fostering emerging businesses is the success story of Clean Kitchen, a vegan concept that I supported from its inception as a 600 sq. ft container fast-food space to its expansion across three premises in London, including sought-after locations like Soho and Battersea Power Station. My career as a Retail Asset Manager is defined by a proven track record in managing high-profile portfolios, driving innovative leasing strategies. I am dedicated to optimizing commercial success while supporting a diverse range of businesses, contributing to the dynamic and thriving retail landscape
I managed a diverse portfolio of 35 properties, including large distribution warehouses and office parks, all of which were single-use with Full Repairing Leases. My in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in managing different types of properties make me a versatile and valuable asset. Responsible for managing the daily running of the facilities and supporting infrastructure on commercial and industrial properties
Using my extensive property network, I assembled clients requiring construction and management of new property developments. After the work was completed on all new property development, I was responsible for the overall management and oversight of the properties` facilities and maintenance department
In my capacity as a property manager, I've not only overseen a diverse portfolio of 5 Retail properties and 3 Commercial buildings across 3 provinces but have also successfully managed the full scope of property management for retail shopping centers and commercial buildings, totaling approximately 800,000 sq. ft. This entails a multifaceted role involving the establishment and maintenance of crucial landlord and tenant relationships.
One of my key responsibilities is the compilation and control of annual budgets, a task that requires a strategic approach to ensure financial success. I'm actively engaged in the preparation of comprehensive management reports on a monthly and bi-monthly basis. These reports cover all matters related to specific properties within the portfolio and are presented with a focus on clarity and transparency.
Effectively managing a team, I oversee both administrative and facilities staff. Collaborating closely with the finance department, I work to manage each building's funds, ensuring financial stability and accountability. On the facilities side, I lead the management of service level agreements (SLAs), from their preparation to implementation. This involves meticulous oversight of contractors, ensuring they adhere to the terms outlined in the SLA, thus maintaining a high standard of service.
My commitment to delivering excellence in property management extends to every aspect of the role, from financial planning and reporting to fostering positive relationships with stakeholders. Through these experiences, I have honed my skills in leadership, financial management, and strategic planning, contributing to the overall success and growth of the diverse portfolios under my purview.