MAPIC Confirms Three Influential Women in Retail Real Estate as Keynote Speakers

Cannes, 4th September 2023 – MAPIC, the foremost global gathering of professionals from the retail, leisure, food, and tech real estate sectors, is thrilled to announce its opening keynote session for this year's event, titled "The Road Ahead: Responsible Growth." This engaging session will feature insights from three distinguished female executives who have spearheaded some of the world's most innovative and sustainable retail real estate projects. This initiative aligns with MAPIC 2023's dedication to forging a more conscientious and sustainable future.

Scheduled for Tuesday, 28th November from 10:30 to 11:00 at the Studio, the keynote panel will be moderated by Chris Igwe and will showcase the expertise of Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO at Cenomi Centers, Joanna Fisher, CEO at ECE Marketplaces, and Cindy Andersen, Managing Director at Ingka Centres. Drawing upon their extensive knowledge within the ever-evolving real estate landscape, these accomplished speakers will explore various topics, including the pivotal role of landlords in advocating for change, strategies for community-focused development and asset management, and reimagining destinations to cater to new consumer and retailer demands.

Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO of Cenomi Centers, emphasizes their commitment to sustainability, stating, "At Cenomi Centers, we are dedicated to building a sustainable future by nurturing our workforce, minimizing our environmental footprint, and strategically developing assets that offer a novel retail experience in Saudi Arabia. MAPIC 2023 provides an ideal platform to share our insights and discuss their implementation for a more responsible future."

Joanna Fisher, CEO of ECE Marketplaces, adds, "With over 55 years of experience in the retail real estate sector, ECE Marketplaces knows how to leverage the adaptability of shopping centers by continuously introducing new concepts and expanding offerings, even beyond retail. Our priorities include long-term value preservation, sustainable operations, and innovative concepts for transforming shopping centers into climate-neutral spaces."

Cindy Andersen, Managing Director of Ingka Centres, affirms, "We firmly believe that people will always seek real places outside their homes for gatherings, relaxation, and leisure activities. Therefore, we are committed to creating hyper-local work-live-play destinations that prioritize the well-being of people, communities, and the planet. I look forward to connecting with colleagues and partners at MAPIC to explore ways to shape a better future for the industry."

Francesco Pupillo, MAPIC Markets Director, concludes, "I am delighted to welcome three industry leaders to share their experiences and insights on how the retail real estate sector can achieve continued and sustainable growth while reducing its environmental impact and prioritizing the well-being of people and the planet."

This year's MAPIC theme, "The Age of Responsible Growth: Committing to a Better Future," centers around the concept of making the future more accountable, and the keynote session will provide valuable perspectives from these industry trailblazers.

Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO of Cenomi Centers, brings over two decades of extensive experience in shopping mall and real estate management across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Cenomi Centers, the largest owner, operator, and developer of retail and lifestyle destinations in Saudi Arabia, manages 21 destinations, 4,300+ leased units, and welcomed over 80 million annual visitors in 2022. The company has committed to the ECCO framework to guide its ESG policy, resulting in tangible progress such as zero non-compliance incidents, a 22% increase in female employees, and a focus on energy consumption reduction and local supplier engagement.

Joanna Fisher, CEO of ECE Marketplaces, boasts over 25 years of experience in retail real estate, holding various management positions across different countries during her tenure at ECE. ECE Marketplaces is a leading shopping center operator in Europe, overseeing 200 centers with 20,000 retail partners, 7 million square meters of rental space, and 3.4 million daily visitors in eleven countries. The company is committed to reducing CO2 emissions in shopping centers by 40% by 2030 compared to 2019, with a comprehensive strategy focused on climate neutrality.

Cindy Andersen, Managing Director of Ingka Centres, possesses over 15 years of leadership, strategy, and organizational transformation experience within IKEA. Ingka Group includes multiple business areas, with 379 IKEA stores across 31 markets, and Ingka Centres develops exciting destinations anchored by IKEA stores. Ingka's sustainability approach prioritizes meeting current needs while safeguarding future generations, with goals of using 100% renewable electricity in all buildings worldwide by 2025 and achieving 100% renewable heating and cooling by 2030.

MAPIC 2023's theme underscores the importance of making a positive human impact, aligning with Ingka's commitment to community-centric development and partnership with local businesses to foster growth and opportunities.

For more information about MAPIC, please visit https://www.mapic.com.