Industry heavyweight Preston Gaddy has joined JHI Retail – part of Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate – as General Manager of the Sandton City Precinct from 1 August 2017.
In his new position, Gaddy will be responsible for the strategic management the iconic retail property assets of Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square, as well as the offices of both these interlinked properties, including the Sandton City’s Office Tower and Atrium on 5th. Sandton City is owned by Liberty Two Degrees, Liberty Group and Pareto Limited. Nelson Mandela Square is owned by Liberty Two Degrees and Liberty Group.
Nomzamo Radebe, CEO of JHI, comments: “We are thrilled to have someone of Preston’s calibre at the helm to spearhead our property management strategy for these iconic assets, which represent Africa’s ultimate shopping experience.”
She adds: “Preston’s diverse experience in property management and development management make him a recognised leader in the retail property field. His exposure to leading shopping centre investors and major global and local retail brands provides him with an in-depth and highly relevant understanding. Preston’s unique perspective and dynamic leadership style will ensure we provide the highest level of service to the Sandton City Precinct, which is on the cutting-edge of the ever-evolving retail landscape.”
Gaddy brings more than 21 years of retail leadership experience to his new role. He most recently served as Asset Manager for Retail Development and Leasing, at SA Corporate Real Estate. Before this, he spent six years at Broll Property Group where he held various positions, including Divisional Director of Strategic Retail Leasing. His prior retail experience includes roles at R City in India, and Clearwater Mall, The Pavilion and Colliers International in South Africa.
Commenting on his appointment, Gaddy says: “It is an honour to join JHI Retail and Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate. They are the best in the business. It is also a privilege to lead the management of the Sandton City Precinct during this exciting time of change for retail and evolution of the consumer experience. I am looking forward to applying my experience across this multifaceted precinct.”
Gaddy is a past Chairperson of the Gauteng Chapter of the South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC), a guest Lecturer at University of Pretoria (UP) and a regular media commentator and keynote speaker. He is an International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) Certified Leasing Specialist. Gaddy also holds both a Certificate in Shopping Centre Management and an Advanced Certificate in Shopping Centre Leadership from SACSC/UP.
