Landsec makes three key hires in bid to boost leasing strategy

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Oct 25, 2020

Property firm Landsec has tapped three retail leasing experts to help with new plans to “reimagine” its retail business and develop innovative ways to work with retailers. 

Ruth McFetridge, formerly of LaSalle Investment Management and Estée Lauder, has been appointed senior retail leasing director. The owner of Bluewater said she will work with the portfolio team to develop a new leasing vision, strategy and capability for all retail assets across its portfolio.

Joining her are Oliver Duthie, formerly of Appear Here, and Tory Gould, formerly of JLL, who will focus on fostering new and deeper relationships with retailers.

The appointments come days after the retail landlord revealed plans to pivot away from underperforming sectors such as hotels, leisure and retail parks. In addition to assets in these sectors, Landsec owns six regional shopping centres including Bluewater and Westgate and owns or manages some of the most successful real estate in London, like Piccadilly Lights in the West End.  

A big part of the Landsec portfolio has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with the landlord struggling to collect rent from under pressure retailers. The challenges are expected to continue as parts of the UK move into the highest tier of restrictions in the fight against the virus.  

Outlining its new strategy, Landsec said that forging more collaborative relationships with retail occupiers will be key given the structural challenges facing some parts of the sector.

Matthew Flood, head of occupier markets, Landsec, said: “Now more than ever it’s essential that Landsec acts and thinks as a customer-centric business; listening and talking to current and future occupiers to ensure we are delivering the very best spaces and experience. 

“Ruth brings a wealth of knowledge from both the landlord and retailer side of the equation and will add invaluable market insight  as the retail sector begins to emerge from the backdrop of Covid-19.”