SF Development Co., Ltd., developer of the much-awaited Megabangna shopping complex along the upcoming “golden retail mile” on Bangna-Trad, announces the appointment of Mr Christian Olofsson as its President & Shopping Center Manager. The company, which is currently constructing South-East Asia's first low-level regional mall due to open in March 2012, is an international joint venture between Siam Future Development PLC, Ikano Pte. Ltd and S.P.S Global Trade.
Mr Olofsson, who has worked for IKEA in different parts of the globe since 1998, brings with him over 15 years of international experience in the retail industry, as well project management and the commercial real estate sector.
His career with IKEA started in his hometown in Sweden, where he held various specialist and managerial positions in the IKEA store. His hard work and quick understanding of the retail business prompted his managers to place him on various inhouse Management Training Programs from the very beginning of his employment. In 2002, his big break came when he was offered an overseas posting in Toronto, Canada, as Sales Manager of the IKEA store. This was followed by a 7 year long assignment with IKEA Retail in Russia, where his experience and skills proved valuable for the opening of multiple IKEA stores in different cities. His stint in Russia included a Sales support Manager position of existing IKEA stores as well as Business Development Manager for IKEA Russia’s expansion, and as Project Director of the first IKEA store in Novosibirsk, Siberia.
Then in 2008 came the momentous switch to the real estate division of the Swedish giant. Mr Olofsson was headhunted by IKEA’s Real Estate division in Russia and named Executive Vice President of the MEGA Adygea-Kuban shopping center and a few months later promoted to President and Shopping Center Manager of the same mall. This rich experience, enhanced by both Retail, Project as well as Commercial Real Estate knowledge, has proved vital for his newest challenge, as President of SF Development in Thailand, to bring a totally new shopping experience to the Thai consumers.
Mr Nopporn Witoonchart, CEO of SF Development Co., Ltd., welcomed Mr Olofsson's appointment.
“After a brilliant 13-year career with IKEA, I am confident that Mr Olofsson's managerial and leadership abilities will contribute in making Megabangna a groundbreaking venue for shoppers, retailers, as well as our businesspartners. We are looking forward to a successful collaboration under the forward-looking leadership of a true professional in the retail industry.”
"I am proud to take over the helm of a business venture with partners who have impressive track records. I look forward to making my contribution to the success of Megabangna and making it a household name as the ultimate shopping destination,” declared Mr Olofsson.
About Megabangna
Scheduled to open in Q1 2012, Megabangna is a unique shopping destination that covers 254 rai of land, 400,000 sq.m. of gross floor area, hosts 450 tenants, provides great accessibility, free parking for 8,000 cars and a transportation interchange hub. Upon completion, Megabangna will provide a huge range of retail, dining, entertainment and service options aimed to satisfy the everyday needs of the many people. Built on only two levels, Megabangna will offer unparalleled convenience for its shoppers all within a new, exciting andfun shopping environment..
About Ikano
Ikano Pte. Ltd., a franchisee of Inter IKEA Systems B.V., also owns 49% of SF Development Co., Ltd. The company currently operates IKEA stores in Malaysia and Singapore, as well as an IKANO shopping centre in Malaysia. A side from operating the IKEA store, IKANO will be a joint partner in the development of Megabangna - making the company both a landlord and a partner.
PRESS ENQUIRIES :
Kharittha Khumpong / Praphapit Jumpee
Megabanga Media Relations
C/O Francom Asia
Tel: 02 233 4338 ext. 22 or 12
Fax: 02 236 8030
E-mail:
[email protected]
สามารถคลิกดูภาพประกอบได้ที่ www.thaipr.net