The Shopping Centre industry is driven by people. It’s the skills and expertise of the people that manage, develop and evolve shopping centres for their communities that creates this great industry. Shopping Centre News profiles a range of interesting people from the industry each week. This week we talk to Lachlan Dyson, Regional Asset Manager – Retail, Investment Management at Lendlease.
What is your current role and main responsibilities?
My role is to develop and oversee the execution of retail asset strategies, operating plans and budgets for a regional cluster of assets, with the objective of optimising the value of the assets. I work closely with the Investment Management team to assist with implementing overall fund strategies. I also see providing leadership and guidance to the centre teams as a key part of my role.
How did you get in to this industry?
Retail is in my blood – I started working in retail after finishing high school. Then upon completing my Bachelor Degree in Business, I worked for a number of retail brands before changing to the property side through the Westfield Management Executive program.
Tell us a little bit about your career
I have been in the retail industry for over 20 years. Before joining Lendlease five years ago, I worked at Westfield for a while, first as a Centre Manager and then Regional Manager. The early part of my career was spent working with retailers such as Sportsco, Canterbury International and Foodland.
What do you love most about your job?
I think the best part of my job is being able to work across a broad spectrum of issues and activities. Every day is different and at Lendlease, we have a diverse business across a number of sectors.
What motivates you?
I enjoy seeing teams succeed.
What makes a great regional asset manager?
Strong communications skills, team management, financial acumen, and knowing a little bit about a lot! A great regional asset manager should also focus on safety, and understanding operations and facilities management. And make time to have fun with your colleagues.
Lendlease’s Sunshine Plaza
What is your most memorable moment of your career?
I have always enjoyed the highlights of a centre under redevelopment, especially leading up to the launch phase. It is a busy time in asset management, when all team members are working tirelessly to ensure that it all goes smoothly on day one.
What do you think makes a successful shopping centre?
Location, accessibility, retail mix, entertainment offer and of course, an effective management team that makes the centre a welcoming, attractive and enjoyable place.
What are some of the trends you are seeing in the industry?
I think what we are seeing in the food and leisure space right now is very exciting. It is redefining how customers are using shopping centres as they enjoy the experiences of engaging with family and friends.
There is definitely a shift from the purchase of products to purchase of experiences. The industry is still very much working out how the omni-channel will work across the bricks and mortar sector and how technology will continue to influence outcomes in our business. We are all collecting or exposed to so much data, yet I am not sure we know what to do with that data yet.
Did you think you would end up in the role you are in now?
The role I hold now was sort of a natural progression from my previous role as Centre Manager, then onto a regional manager of a portfolio of Westfield Centres.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the industry?
Try to learn about and understand all facets of the retail property you work in. Be customer focused and look after your retailer and shopper.
Find a sponsor or mentor, someone who is willing to give you exposure to the industry and your business.
What do you do in your leisure time to de-stress?
I have three main passions outside of my wife and kids and that is flying (I hold a pilot’s license that I am working to keep current), boating (living in Brisbane, Moreton Bay is on our doorstep) and riding my motorbikes (I am slowly building a collection of motorbikes that fill whatever spare time I can find on weekends).
Do you like shopping?
I enjoy shopping, particularly the interaction with shop staff. I am definitely a planned shopper though, due to time constraints.
What is the single most important quality you need to possess to be in this industry?
Resilience, because of where the industry is at in the cycle.
