New centre manager to lead The Palms through new growth

An established leader and local man, Simon Carter has recently commenced at The Palms Shopping Centre as Centre Manager. Having been part of similar challenges that Christchurch businesses currently face, Mr Carter is well adept at leading through change.

Returning The Palms Shopping Centre to the bustling hub it was previously is one of Mr Carter’s biggest and most exciting challenges. “There are many opportunities that lie ahead in the next 24 to 36 months with new developments in the region and as businesses re-establish themselves,” says Mr Carter.

“It’s about understanding the changing landscape, as it is difficult from a planning point of view to see more than a few months ahead at a time. Our retailers and customers are the glue that holds our centre together, so ensuring their needs are catered for is our priority.”

Before stepping into his new role six weeks ago, Mr Carter was the Membership and Marketing manager at Vbase, a leading venue management company which manages venues such as AMI Stadium.

“It was a natural progression for me to move into a management role where I am challenged in a passionate environment. That is one thing that really strikes me here at The Palms. There is a real neighbourly atmosphere amongst the retailers and an established network of support. The events of the past year have built a unique kinship between the retailers and their customers that I have not seen in a Shopping Centre before.”

Mr Carter knows Christchurch and its people having been born and raised in the area. A Christchurch Boys High School Old Boy and graduate of the University of Canterbury, he holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing and Management.

Outside of working life, Mr Carter is a new father to a baby girl, born on Wednesday 7 March 2012. He is also a board member of The Elmwood Club, a group which he helped establish. The Elmwood Club is a sporting collective of six clubs, supporting community wellbeing in North-West Christchurch through sport and recreation. This is a natural fit for him given his life-long love of cricket and other team sports.