Cotswolds Designer Outlet management team expands with two appointments
Development and investment firm Robert Hitchins has made two appointments to the on-site management team at the yet-to-open Cotswolds Designer Outlet.
Paul Lacey has been appointed to the role of operations manager, whilst Hannah Swithenbank takes on the role of marketing and engagement manager.
Led by centre manager Adrian Field, the management team is now working alongside the project and construction team in preparation for the opening of Phase 1 of the scheme this summer. The news comes as the scaffolding comes down this month, clearing the way for roofing, detailing, and landscaping.
Paul Lacey has operational and facilities management experience at retail, leisure, and tourism destinations, most recently having worked in Operations at Warwick Castle. In his new role, he will look to deliver the smooth delivery of daily operations and create an exceptional guest experience and safe, welcoming environment.
Hannah Swithenbank joins from ProCook, where she worked in digital PR and social media as well as design and photography. She will aim to leverage this brand perspective to positively shape the launch and ongoing marketing strategy for Cotswolds Designer Outlet.
Adrian Field, centre manager at Cotswolds Designer Outlet, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Paul and Hannah to the team at this exciting milestone, with five months to go until opening. There is so much going on behind the scenes, not only in terms of the construction programme but also the launch planning. We are starting to work with the brands and retailers to establish efficient operations processes, and we are finalising our ambition for the opening and the ongoing guest experience that will set us up for success from day one. Paul and Hannah both bring extensive experience, agility, vision and enthusiasm to the role, and we cannot wait to share the scheme with our neighbours, visitors, tourists and retail staff in just a few months’ time.”
Simon Tothill, property and development Director at Robert Hitchins, added: “We’re pleased to welcome Paul and Hannah to the management team which will oversee the day-to-day running of this exceptional retail destination. We are in a very strong position at the start of this year, as we get closer to handing over units to our incoming brands and preparing our launch plans; the pieces are all coming together as we get ready for an exciting opening for the only new retail outlet destination opening in the UK this year.”
“The scheme is already 95% committed (exchanged or in legals) to well-known British and international fashion, sports, lifestyle, homewares and dining brands; this remarkable achievement is testament to the quality of the scheme, the strength of this location and all the hard work of our team and partners behind the scenes. Some of these brands are already recruiting locally, bringing a huge jobs boost to the regional economy as we begin to see the enormous potential of this new retail destination becoming a reality.”
Cotswolds Designer Outlet, based in Ashchurch near Tewkesbury and next to junction 9 of the M5, is being managed by outlet operator Multi-Realm.