Khalid Suleiman Al Jasser, CEO of Arabian Centres, the leading developer, owner and operator of international standard shopping malls in Saudi Arabia, has been elected to the Board of the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC). Al Jasser joins eight retail business leaders from across the Middle East region and is the only Board member with previous banking sector expertise. The new appointments complete the Board composition for the 2016-2018 period, and the members represent a wide range of disciplines ranging from mall developers, to real estate consulting firms and retailers. MECSC is the regional trade body representing the shopping center industry in the Middle East and North Africa region. It aims to provide an effective platform for the exchange of ideas and sharing of knowledge and to be a catalyst in the development of the shopping center industry in the region. Al Jasser's inclusion in the MECSC Board is a reflection of the leadership position enjoyed by Arabian Centres in the retail real estate market in Saudi Arabia. The formation of the new Board coincided with the RECon Middle East & North Africa 2016 Conference in Dubai where thousands of industry participants - including but not limited to retailers, management and consulting companies, architects, design companies, entertainment and leisure companies, as well as product and service providers to the industry – discussed and debated the importance of innovation as a driver for future growth in the sector. The conference is jointly organized by MECSC and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Al Jasser joined Arabian Centres as its CEO in May 2016. As the CEO, his mandate is to further expand Arabian Centres' operations and help transform the modern retail landscape in KSA. Prior to the appointment, he was the CEO of Bank Albilad, and is credited with growing the bank's operations and its emergence as a leading Shariah-based financial solutions provider in the kingdom. He previously served as the Executive Vice President of Riyadh Bank where he spent 12 years in various leadership roles within the bank. The first meeting of the MECSC Board will take place on Feb. 21, 2017. — SG
