The German Council of Shopping Places (GCSP) has elected a new board for the next four years. Ulrich Schmitz of ECE Marketplaces was appointed chairman, succeeding long-serving chair Christine Hager. Susanne Gehle of Kaufland Dienstleistung and Simon Splittgerber of Union Investment Real Estate will support him as board members.
The elections took place during the GCSP’s 34th General Assembly in Berlin on September 9, ahead of the 24th German Council Congress on September 10. Held under the theme KLARTEXT, the congress brought together representatives from retail, business, and real estate to discuss current industry developments and future perspectives.
New Leadership and Recognition of Longstanding Contributions
Schmitz brings extensive experience within the association and the retail real estate industry, including his work on the Security Commission, the ESG Committee, and at the international level. Gehle and Splittgerber contribute experience from retail, retail real estate, and asset management.
The General Assembly also marked the departure of Christine Hager, who had served as chairwoman of the board, and board member Harald Ortner. Both were recognized for their longstanding voluntary commitment to the GCSP and appointed honorary ambassadors.
Representing the Retail Real Estate Industry
The GCSP describes itself as Germany’s only nationwide association bringing together all stakeholder groups in the retail real estate sector. Its approximately 500 member companies are represented by around 1,000 professionals from areas including development, financing, center management, architecture, municipal authorities, leasing, asset management, retail, and marketing.
Through conferences, specialist briefings, networking events, and international tours, the organization aims to promote knowledge exchange, represent the interests of the industry, and strengthen its members’ professional networks.
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