Innsbruck///Austria — After twelve years at the helm of EKZ west, Center Manager and owner representative Karl Weingrill is retiring. His successor, Max Stomm, is an experienced real estate manager who will take over the running of the district center in Höttinger Au and guide the asset into its next phase of development.
EKZ west serves as the primary local supply center and community hub in the western part of Innsbruck. Opened in 2010, the shopping center in Höttinger Au draws around 2.5 million visitors annually and has become a firmly established fixture in the district. The change in center management marks the beginning of the next development phase for the asset, with Max Stomm taking on both strategic and operational responsibility going forward.
Stomm brings broad experience in asset and center management of retail real estate across Austria and in international markets. His focus is on the strategic repositioning of retail assets and the targeted management of tenant structures, expertise he will now apply at EKZ west.
“EKZ west is much more than a shopping center. It is an established local supply hub and a vibrant meeting point in western Innsbruck. I very much look forward to developing this location together with our on-site team, our retail partners, customers, and the surrounding businesses,” said Max Stomm.
A Transition After Twelve Formative Years
Under Karl Weingrill’s leadership, EKZ west grew into the defining district center of Höttinger Au over the course of twelve years. During that period, visitor frequency increased by approximately 30 percent. The center also established a range of partnerships with regional institutions and businesses, including Tirol Kliniken, MED-EL, and Innsbruck Airport. The tenant mix was continuously expanded, with notable additions including the first large-format TEDi concept in Austria and the first FITINN location in Tyrol. Art supplies retailer boesner is also set to join the center shortly as another anchor tenant.
“Karl Weingrill has played a decisive role in shaping EKZ west over the past years in his capacity as owner representative and center manager, and has driven its development with great commitment. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for that,” said Alexander Schmidecker, CEO of Raiffeisen-Leasing. “With Max Stomm, an experienced real estate manager is now taking over the leadership of the center. We are very pleased that he will continue the successful development of EKZ west and bring fresh momentum to the asset.”
