I am an impact oriented and experienced professional skilled in mall management, retail management & leasing. Over a vast career of more than 12 years in the retail space, I have delivered impactful results while working with multiple malls and hypermarket chains. I am proficient in real estate planning, project design & development. Another one of my skills is to handle the leasing of mall space, from lead generation to the closing of agreements with the clients and eventual setting up of the shops in the mall premises. I have amassed a large amount of experience in working with brands in FMCG, fashion & F&B. I am also an instinctive leader, capable of attracting, developing and retaining high-performance team members, empowering them to elevate their level of responsibility, span of control, and performance. I can reformulate business strategies and pursue them with utmost resilience as is exemplified by my work, wherein I was successful in bringing multiple world renowned brands for the 1st time during the period of global economic recession.
• Leasing • FMCG brands • Client Relationship Management • Mall Operations • Fashion brands • Sales & Marketing • Mall Planning • Leadership • New Store Opening • Retail Management • New Lead Generation • Opening New Markets • Customer Service
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Acting Leasing Director | Jan ’13 - Present
Carrying out multiple functions including real estate planning, project design & development
Working closely with the board members & the landlords for the upcoming projects of the group
Leasing Manager | Jun ’07 - Jan'13
Key Deliverables
Reporting directly to the Mall GM & Head Office Management
Leading a team with a focus on the mall administration & leasing outlets
Directing the team in order to keep accurate records of tenants, meetings, client complaints etc.
Handling the complete budgeting & forecasting and preparing lease request packages
Working in coordination with the development & management teams
Optimizing the tenancy mix by successful retail planning
Maximizing the ITVA by obtaining deals & rents below the budgeted tenant allowance for the assigned centers
Identifying, negotiating & finalizing leasing deals mainly with the retailing & services industry
Conducting cold calling & follow ups to generate prospective new client leads & take them forward
Updating the top management on progress of contracts, negotiations & portfolios
Ensuring that the lease documentations are completed in accordance with company policy
Ensuring that company policies are followed regarding new contracts, renewals & terminations
Managing the fit out, construction process & handover process, as required, for the new tenants
Building & maintaining strong relationships with the existing clients & key national retailers
Acting as the focal point of contact for mall tenants regarding both new & existing leasing arrangements
Acting as link between the external tenants & internal legal team while demonstrating a high quality of customer service
Handling merchandising & planning & responsible for delivery of income to the business (maintenance & development)
Taking care of lease management of renewals, vacancies & other value adding opportunities
Identifying opportunities for the improved performance of centers
Generating sufficient leasing activity to achieve NOI objectives for assigned center(s)
Key Achievements
Successfully brought multiple prime brands from all over the world for the 1st time ever; brands include:
Versace Collection, Class Roberto Cavali, Armani Jeans, Swarovski, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Juicy Couture, Rolex, BCBG Maxazaria, Karen Milan, Lacoste, Gizia, Mont Blanc, Rivoli, Yves Delorme, L’azurde, CK, UW, Clarks, Jashanmal Deptt. Store, Vacheron Constatin, Chaumet, Girard Perregaux, Corum, Al Fardan Jewellery, Massimo Dutti, Oysho McGregor, L’occitane, List Roma, Gant, Nautica, Make-up-for-Ever & Galvanni
Supported & attracted above mentioned brands during the ongoing global economic recession in ’09
Successfully brought multiple F&B brands from all over the world for the 1st time ever; brands include:
Shakespeare & Co, Paul Café, Hediard Café, Costa Coffee shop, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Coffee beanery Coffee Shop, Bricco Italian Restaurant & Café, Papa Rotti & McDonalds
Led the leasing department to reposition as #1 mall
Achieved the best retail mix in the mall & Increased the average rate per sq. mt. by 30% in a period of 3 years
Awarded with a 11-fold remuneration increase along with multiple other benefits such as housing, insurance etc.
Handled leasing of multiple commercial retail properties including malls of EMKE Group in GCC & across the world
Identified & qualified potential tenants operating in retail business (both international & local brands)
Prospected & developed new lease accounts by generating leads through networking, referrals & appropriate follow ups
Liaised with management & achieved specific goals by successfully concluding additional business accounts
Completely managed the Fashion Items section & constantly exceeded the targeted daily sales & profits
Increased sales volumes by 30% on week days & ~50% on weekends
Negotiated the prices of various high volume items with the suppliers to achieve a cost reduction of USD 500k
Successfully trained all the staff working in the fresh food, FMCG & fashion items sections
Played a key role in the grand opening of the Riyadh branch of Geant Hypermarkets
Promoted to the position of Fresh Food Section Supervisor within 5 months
Gained hands-on knowledge & experience in working with fresh food items
Dealt with multiple customers & ensured a high quality of customer service