Reader Profile: Russell Yelland
Each week, we bring you a brief profile on one of our fantastic readers. Know someone we should be writing about? Let us know.
Name: Russell Yelland
Title: Director of Shopping Center Management
Property: Sandalwood
Location: Hong Kong
How long have you been at this property?
Sandalwood commenced operations in June 2008 and is the first integrated premium retail development and management service provider to operate across Asia.
How many years of experience do you have in the shopping center industry?
More than 20 years experience in shopping center leasing, marketing and management in Australia. Prior to joining Sandalwood, I was with Colonial First State Property Management, one of Australia’s largest shopping center owners and managers. More recently my focus was on development issues, including developing tired, aged shopping centers into enhanced viable assets delivering improved results to the owners. My current role specializes in delivering Sandalwood’s shopping centre management initiatives and asset management solutions across Greater China.
What is your primary goal this year?
With Sandalwood being less than a year old, my primary goal is to continue to drive the Sandalwood vision of being the first choice in retail development and management, creating best-in-class retail environments for customers, retailers and investors.
What is your biggest challenge this year?
The biggest challenge is remaining steadfast on delivering our primary goals and maximizing every business opportunity that comes along in a very difficult economic climate.
Can you offer one tip to other mall marketing professionals?
R.R.M., or retailer relationship management. In tough times it’s vital that we remain in close touch with our retailers. We need to provide relevant, quality guidance, understanding and responding to their needs and assisting them to generate sales. This will not only ensure the retailers’ viability, but it will also benefit the mall owner in the longer term.
Thanks Russell!
