Michelle Menezes has been appointed as the Centre Director at Highcross Leicester – a role that will see her guide the shopping centre into an ‘exciting new era’.
Originally from the Midlands, Michelle’s career history spans a number of senior retail roles, including flagship positions within Highcross. More recently, she was Shopping Centre Manager at Princesshay in Exeter, where she helped the centre become one of the best-loved retail destinations in the UK.
Picture credit: Highcross Leicester
As the new Centre Director, Michelle has revealed ambitious plans to develop Highcross’ current brand offering, as well as invest in the centre’s infrastructure, enhance connections with local stakeholders and strengthen her team – focusing particularly on local talent.
Building on a year which saw brands like Castore, Butterwick Bakery and Sunglass Hut join the fold, Michelle aims to bolster Highcross’ growing food and beverage offering, while also bringing in well-known brands in fashion, beauty and homeware.
In addition to new retailers to choose from, Michelle will also place greater focus on experiences, from pop-up retailers to unique events, a commitment which will enable shoppers to get more enjoyment out of every visit.
Meanwhile, to help bring those ambitions to life, Michelle will work to drive forward the planned redevelopment of the centre’s four entrances and support the roll-out of a brand refresh, which – when combined with her ambitions to engage more closely with key stakeholders, from universities and community groups, to local businesses – will position Highcross at the heart of the city.
Alongside Michelle, a trio of local appointments have also been made. These include Midlands-based Kirsty Freudenreich, who joins as Head of Operations, Leicester-based marketeer, Helen Bevins, appointed as the centre’s new Senior Marketing Manager, and Lee Woulidge as Technical Services Manager.
Speaking about her plans, new Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, Michelle Menezes, said:
“Highcross is more than just a shopping and leisure destination – it’s a place where people come, spend time together and create memories. It’s a part of the fabric of Leicester; a place where people have been meeting, working and spending time together for almost 35 years. I am excited that I am in a position to lead the centre through this next chapter, to see it really thrive.
“There’s no doubt that retail continues to face its challenges, and that the centre has its own unique hurdles to overcome, however, my goal, as centre director, is to create an exciting, contemporary and welcoming space that our shoppers are proud of and can’t wait to visit.
“As we kick-off the new year, I aim to breathe some new life into the centre, including the introduction of a new image that reflects the vibrant pulse of Leicester and announcing the arrival of some new, much-anticipated brands. I join at a really pivotal phase in the centre’s existence and I look forward to taking shoppers, the local community, and our teams, on that journey with us.”
