Former M&S head of region appointed as Trafford Centre director

The Trafford Centre has appointed former Marks & Spencer head of region Simon Layton as director.

He will lead the on-site management team and has been tasked with helping grow the Manchester shopping destination and supporting its future plans.

At M&S, Layton led a team of 20 store managers across Greater Manchester, and had also previously led the retailer’s Northern Ireland business.

Layton said his new role is his “dream job”, describing the scheme as a “world-renowned shopping and leisure destination”.

Megan Keany, property management director at Savills, the managing agent at Trafford Centre, said: “The role of centre director is a hugely important appointment, requiring the right experience and understanding of retail alongside the ability to build diverse relationships and manage vast operational demands. Simon is an ideal fit, bringing a huge amount of relevant experience and a genuine passion for the centre.”