Ingka Centres, part of the Ingka Group, has appointed Cindy Andersen as new managing director from February 2021, replacing Gerard Groener.
Andersen joins from Inter IKEA Group and will act as managing director designate with immediate effect.
With over 15 years of leadership experience in value chain, range & product development, sales and commercial activities, Andersen has held various positions at IKEA of Sweden – part of Inter IKEA Group – since 2008, where her last position was global business area manager for one of the key business areas.
Prior to joining Inter IKEA Group she had various position within AP Moller-Maersk group in China and Sweden.
Groener, Ingka Centres managing director, commented: 'I’m delighted to hand over to Cindy and believe her experience, strategic vision, authentic leadership and strong passion for people will bring significant value.
'Her track record of achievement for IKEA will support ever greater collaboration between the retail and real estate sides of our business as we craft community focused Meeting Places. I look forward to working with her during our handover period, and as a special advisor further into the future.'
Groener will formally step down as managing director in February 2021, after which he will continue to act as a senior advisor to Ingka Centres. Most recently he oversaw Ingka Centres acquisition of Kings Mall in London and the 6x6 building in San Francisco, where IKEA anchored smaller format city malls will be created to align with urbanisation trends.
Andersen said: 'Over the last decade physical retail has perhaps witnessed more rapid change than any other business sector. But what is clear is that retail is adaptable, and how ever the future looks people will always want places where they can meet and gather.
'Together with my colleagues, my focus will be on creating inspiring places that customers truly value, that benefit their communities, and from where our tenants businesses can grow.'
Andersen is passionate about diversity and equal opportunities and she is committed to actively promote these causes across the industry.
Jesper Brodin CEO of Ingka Group commented: 'Cindy’s vision, long experience of IKEA and passion for customers makes her the right person to lead and continue to make our Ingka Centres even better for both people and planet.'
Ingka Centres is evaluating opportunities within 40 major cities across Europe, Russia, North America, Asia and Oceania to introduce its smaller format city malls, the company said.
