VIA Outlets names new board directors
Designer outlet operator VIA Outlets has appointed two new board members.
Jaap Tonckens (pictured) has been appointed as a non-executive member following a stint as an adviser to the board. Possessing more than 25 years’ experience in the global real estate and finance sectors, he previously spent 11 years at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield where his most recent role was group chief financial officer. Tonckens is also a member of the board of directors of Dutch lifestyle and hotel company Citizen M, as well as a senior advisor to Value Retail, the creator and operator of The Bicester Village Shopping Collection.
In a further move, VIA has appointed Rita Schroeven, its head of legal affairs, as an executive member of the board. Having originally joined the company from Value Retail, she has more than 25 years of pan-European experience in senior legal roles in the retail and real estate sectors, including 14 years as vice president – legal for Europe at retail brand Foot Locker.
Otto Ambagtsheer, chief executive Officer of VIA Outlets, said: “Having two such high calibre people as Jaap and Rita joining our Board illustrates VIA Outlets’ status as a leading organisation playing an essential role in the retail industry. Their combined wealth of experience across commercial real estate, finance and law will be instrumental to our continued growth in the coming years, as we continue implementing our established three R’s strategy to generate returns for our shareholder APG and create value for brand partners and guests alike.”
Following the appointment, the VIA Outlets board will comprise six directors, three of which will be non-executive.
