Angele Robinson-Gaylord takes charge as ICSC chairman for 2025
- Angele Robinson-Gaylord and John Peter Suarez were elected as ICSC Chairman and Vice Chairman for 2025.
- Robinson-Gaylord has extensive experience in retail real estate, previously working for Starbucks, Rite Aid, and IKEA.
- The new leadership aims to navigate the evolving retail industry and will be supported by additional trustees joining the Board.
In 2024, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) announced the election of new leadership for the upcoming year. The board appointed Angele Robinson-Gaylord as the Chairman and John Peter Suarez as the Vice Chairman for the 2025 term. Robinson-Gaylord, who is the Senior Vice President of Store Development Americas at Starbucks, brings extensive experience to this role, having previously led development teams at Rite Aid and IKEA and having worked with McDonald's Corporation. She is also dedicated to nurturing future talent in commercial real estate and serves on both the ICSC Foundation and Project REAP boards. John Peter Suarez, the former Regional CEO for Walmart International, was selected as Vice Chairman. His previous experience includes vital leadership positions within Walmart, and he has extensive knowledge of global business and retail real estate. Suarez has managed operations for various regions and has served on boards, including the University of Pennsylvania Law School Board of Overseers. His appointment is expected to bring a strategic vision that complements Robinson-Gaylord's expertise. The announcement highlighted the importance of their roles as the organization continues to navigate challenges within the evolving retail industry. Tom McGee, President and CEO of ICSC, expressed confidence in their collaborative efforts to serve members effectively throughout 2025. Both Robinson-Gaylord and Suarez expressed their commitment to advancing ICSC's mission and supporting the industry. Alongside the newly appointed leaders, ICSC will welcome eight additional trustees to the Board in 2025, comprising professionals from various sectors related to real estate and retail. Among these are notable figures such as Alison Hallberg from PGIM Real Estate and Reginald Livingston from Acadia Realty Trust. Four Next Generation Trustees, under the age of 40, are also set to join, emphasizing ICSC's focus on innovation and fresh perspectives. This strategic move indicates ICSC's proactive stance as it adapts to an evolving market landscape, aiming to uphold its position as a leading organization in the retail real estate sector.