Westfield Corporation, an operator of 40 shopping centers, has hired Raghav Lal as its first Chief Data and Analytics Officer. In this role, Lal will oversee the collection, analysis and dissemination of data at Westfield’s properties, which are in the U.S., the UK, and in the future, Milan, Italy.
Lal will lead the company’s newly created big data analytics unit, which will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing and deploying the company’s data strategy.
Lal will work closely with Chief Digital Officer Kevin McKenzie, who also oversees Westfield Labs, and Chief Information Technology Officer Denise Taylor, who is responsible for the physical tech infrastructure — such as cameras and beacons — that are in the shopping centers.
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“We expect Big Data to have a major impact on how we manage our traditional functions of developing, leasing and managing our assets,” said Steven Lowy, Co-CEO at Westfield. “The appointment of Lal continues our increasing focus on the use of technology and is a further addition to the new skills we are bringing into the company.”
Prior to joining Westfield Corporation, Lal was the SVP and Global Head of Analytics at Visa, where he established their Data and Analytics function and used consumer transaction data to create Big Data products and offerings for retailers. He also previously managed the global small business segment at both Visa and American Express.
