London Designer Outlet (LDO) in Wembley Park has announced the appointment of Daniel Tomkinson, the former Chief Executive of the Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA), as its new General Manager.
At his previous role at CGMA, Tomkinson led the strategic direction of the London horticultural market, driving through a £300 million redevelopment. He has almost a decade’s worth of experience at Savills, where he was Centre Director for the Eden Shopping Centre in High Wycombe and led the 850,000 sq shopping flagship to trading success.
Part of specialist outlet operator and London Designer Outlet’s asset manager Realm’s team, Tomkinson will be responsible for the management of London Designer Outlet and of new retail at Wembley Park, the 85-acre neighbourhood created by award-winning developer Quintain.
Daniel Tomkinson, general manager for London Designer Outlet, said: “Having looked after one iconic and historic London landmark, New Covent Garden Market, it is hugely exciting to be a part of the journey of another, Wembley Park, as it develops as one of the capital’s shopping, dining and living hotspots.
“Having welcomed a suite of new brands with more on the way and trading at an impressive level, London Designer Outlet is building on its credentials as the capital’s leading fashion and lifestyle outlet centre and one of the most successful in the UK, and I am looking forward to being a part of its next chapter.”
Tomkinson will take on his new role from December, as existing General Manager Sue Shepherd leaves the business after eight years – having been General Manager since LDO opened as the capital’s first designer outlet – to set up an executive coaching business supporting senior leaders.
Dan Mason, managing director at Realm, said: “Daniel will be an outstanding General Manager for London Designer Outlet, as a strategic leader in retail and because he understands – and shares – Quintain’s vision for Wembley Park.”
Matt Slade, Retail Director at Quintain, said: “Daniel’s experience in iconic destinations as well as his passion for our vision of creating a 15-Minute Neighbourhood with brilliant retail amenities makes him the perfect fit for London Designer Outlet, where he will continue to work day-in and day-out with some of the world’s biggest brands and the innovative independents that feature in Wembley Park.”
