Alexander Otto, Chief Executive Officer at ECE has been announced as Chair of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) European Advisory Board. The ICSC is the premier global trade association of the shopping-centre industry.
Alexander Otto, one of Europe’s top real estate professionals, succeeds Marcus Wild, CEO at SES Spar European Shopping Centres who has led the organisation successfully for three years through the most challenging economic environment of the industry’s history.
Alexander Otto: “I am looking forward to this new challenge and am very honoured to succeed Marcus Wild who has done a great job as ICSC’s European chairman over the past three years.”
Otto defined the following major targets for ICSC during the next years: “We need to continue our efforts to turn ICSC into a truly international platform in order to meet the needs of a globalised industry. Transparency becomes more and more important. Defining standards for shopping centres and collecting und publishing data about the European shopping centre industry should therefore be a focus of ICSC’s research. Last but not least it is vital for the organisation to speak with “one voice” and to strengthen the cooperation with the EU.”
After nearly 12 years at the helm of ECE, Alexander Otto has built the company to be one of Europe’s most successful real estate businesses, continuing to grow despite the global financial turmoil. At the height of the crisis, the company not only fulfilled its financial obligations but started new investments and developments of around one billion Euros.
Mike Kercheval, ICSC President & CEO, welcomed the new Chair. He said: “We are delighted that Alexander Otto is taking over the Chair for ICSC Europe. Members will benefit from his unparalleled knowledge which will build on the achievements of Marcus Wild as ICSC widens its reach across Europe and globally.”
Marcus Wild added: “The way we use technology and the nature of knowledge in general is changing but networking remains a key part of the equation. Different people are using technology to do new, truly exciting things. And networking helps people connect to productivity, connect to innovation, connect to entertainment, and, most importantly, connect with each other. I am sure Alexander’s dynamic leadership and passion will succeed in creating a bright, advanced and networked future for ICSC and its members.”