Eldon Square, the company behind one of Newcastle’s best-known shopping centres of the same name, has made Helen Cowie centre director.
Cowie brings more than 30 years of retail and operational experience to lead the centre. She held senior positions at Marks and Spencer across multiple regions, including the North East, North West and Scotland, before taking the shopping centre role.
Bosses at Eldon Square said her experience in establishing new business streams will "help drive innovation across all aspects of Eldon Square’s continuing development".
Cowie also has a personal connection to the shopping centre, having been born and raised in the North East and visiting Eldon Square from a young age. The firm said she will work to enhance the centre’s reputation across the region.
Cowie said in a statement: "I’m extremely excited to be joining Eldon Square during this transformational period for the centre. Eldon Square is more than just a shopping centre, it's an integral part of Newcastle City Centre with a mission to elevate itself to becoming the go to retail and leisure destination in the North East.
"Along with my team, I look forward to continuing to enhance the shopping experience and making a positive impact on the future of this iconic Newcastle destination."
Eldon Square houses more than 140 retailers, including John Lewis & Partners, Fenwick, Apple, Boots, Next and H&M, and announced the signing of Freight Island, the entertainment and dining group, earlier this month, read here.
Matthew Beddow, senior director of asset management at Eldon Square, added: "Helen’s wealth of experience and passion for delivering an excellent customer experience will be instrumental in shaping the future of the centre.
"With her strong background in the sector and her deep understanding of the evolving retail, leisure and entertainment landscape, Helen is well positioned to lead Eldon Square through this exciting chapter."
