14/3/2008

Business News in Surrey

Shopping centre manager announced

A MILITARY man will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Atrium shopping centre when it opens in Camberley in November.

Jonny Rees-Davies, the centre’s manager, is no stranger to the town, having attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before serving in the Household Cavalry for nine years.

He saw active service in Bosnia and Iraq and twice took part in the Trooping the Colour ceremony, which marks the Queen’s official birthday, while on duty with The Life Guards.

Before he joined The Atrium he was assistant centre director at 350,000sq ft Whiteley’s shopping centre in Bayswater and then centre director at the 500,000 sq ft Churchill Square shopping centre in Brighton.

He said: “I am looking forward in Camberley in an area I know well.

“There is so much excitement surrounding the new development and it is great to be part of it.

“The Atrium will provide a major new focal point for Camberley and the surround-ing area.

“I look forward to being part of its growth and to helping to position it as a major retail and leisure destination for the people of Surrey.”

Martin Mortimer, head of development of Crest Nicholson Regenration said: “We are delighted to have a centre director with such a broad range of experience.

“The fact that Jonny knows the area from his time at Sandhurst is a big positive for the scheme and the people of Camberley.”

Mr Rees-Davies will start immediately and his first task will be to plan for the official launch in November.

First printed in: The News and Mail Series