Westfield adds tech talent to make mall digital

Mall owner Westfield Corporation has created a new big data and analytics unit and made a key hire to oversee the important function.



Westfield named Raghav Lal as its new chief data and analytics officer to lead a newly established big data and analytics group that will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing and deploying the company’s data strategy. The move is a significant hiring investment to centralize the company’s wealth of data effectively, efficiently and safely for its customers and retailers alike, Westfield said in a statement.



“Westfield recognizes the critical importance of both physical and digital research, and is committed to understanding and protecting its big data, to create relevant, compelling and seamless end-to-end retail innovations and experiences,” the company said.



According to Steven Lowy, co-CEO of Westfield Corporation, the hiring of Raghav is part of a major initiative in the way the company collects, analyzes, and uses data across the business.



“We expect big data to have a major impact on how we manage our traditional functions of developing, leasing and managing our assets. The appointment (of Rahhav Lal) continues our increasing focus on the use of technology and is a further addition to the new skills we are bringing into the company.”



Lal will work closely with Kevin McKenzie, chief digital officer who also oversees Westfield Labs, and Denise Taylor, CIO who is responsible for the physical tech infrastructure in Westfield shopping centers. This combination of data, tech and infrastructure will usher a new wave of innovations, based on deep consumer insights, that will continue evolve the physical and retail space, according to the company.