NEW YORK, June 30, 2016 – The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) today announced the appointment of Bill Kistler as executive vice president and managing director of EMEA. Kistler will join the leadership team and provide strategic counsel and input on global matters to support the organization’s global footprint. He will report directly to president and CEO, Tom McGee.
“At a time where retail real estate is a catalyst of the global economy, Bill’s deep understanding of matters related to the industry and previous experience growing ULI EMEA will be an asset to ICSC,” said Tom McGee, ICSC’s president and CEO. “We are committed to working with our members in EMEA and Bill’s strong partnerships with media, capital markets and government organizations make him best aligned to lead and expand our presence there.”
Kistler brings more than 30 years of international experience and most recently served as managing partner at UK-based Kistler & Company, providing investment, development and organizational strategy support to the global real estate industry. He also founded the Urban Innovation Network (UIN), a platform connecting cities, universities and business and will continue serving as its non-executive chairman.
“I am pleased to be joining ICSC and look forward to working with the team across EMEA to advance the interests of the retail real estate industry,” Kistler commented. “ICSC members play a vital role in shaping communities and in the wider economy. Helping to create more opportunities for our members to connect, collaborate and share knowledge and ideas is a privilege that I look forward to. ”
Previously, Kistler was a senior partner at Korn/Ferry International leading the Real Estate practice in EMEA. From 2003 - 2009 he was president of the Urban Land Institute–EMEA a non-profit, research and education institute dedicated to the built environment. Prior to this he was General Manager of the Disney Development Company, responsible for Val d’Europe at Disneyland Paris. Throughout his career, Kistler also held senior roles at JMB Properties in Chicago, Cushman & Wakefield in New York and IBM where he oversaw the company’s real estate in New York and Paris.
About ICSC
Founded in 1957, ICSC is the global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its more than 70,000 members in over 100 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, investors, retailers, brokers, academics, and public officials. The shopping center industry is essential to economic development and opportunity. They are a significant job creator, driver of GDP, and critical revenue source for the communities they serve through the generation of sales taxes and the payment of property taxes. These taxes fund important municipal services like firefighters, police officers, school services, and infrastructure like roadways and parks. Shopping centers aren’t only fiscal engines however; they are integral to the social fabric of their communities by providing a central place to congregate with friends and family, discuss community matters, and participate in and encourage philanthropic endeavors. For more information about ICSC visit www.icsc.com and for the latest news from ICSC and the industry go to www.thecenterofshopping.com.