Lakeside Shopping Centre today announces the appointment of Nancy Foster as Centre Director. With extensive experience in driving exceptional customer experiences, alongside strong brand relationships, Nancy will be key to delivering Lakeside’s ambitious future vision.
Nancy, who is starting at the end of October, has over 15 years of senior leadership experience and is a highly accomplished retail and operations leader. With a proven record in managing multimillion-pound budgets and capital projects, she has a track record in delivering operational excellence, empowering teams, and implementing sustainable growth for large retail operations.
Previously serving as Store Director at Fenwick Colchester, with additional responsibility for Group Store Operations, Nancy led a large team and oversaw key supply chain functions, and drove cross-store operational projects. Before her time at Fenwick, as Head of Store Operations and Transformation at Debenhams, she directed national-scale transformation programmes across 178 stores, including innovations in workforce management, technology integration, and customer engagement.
With her wealth of experience, Nancy joins Lakeside at an exciting time for the retail and leisure destination. Through strategic CAPEX investment, the centre is set to redefine what is possible for a flagship destination. From capitalising on its expansive outdoor space to reimagining the guest experience, Lakeside is fast emerging as one of the UK’s most vibrant and sought-after retail destinations.
Nancy Foster, centre director at Lakeside Shopping Centre, commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining Lakeside at such a pivotal time for the business. The centre is continuing to evolve beyond traditional retail to become a place where people can connect, relax, and spend quality time. My focus will be on creating premium experiences and environments that customers love, combining retail, leisure, dining, and engaging events to make every visit memorable; ensuring the centre is vibrant, welcoming, and valued by the community.”
Rob Jewell, managing director, asset management at Pradera Lateral, added: “With our ambition to position Lakeside as the UK’s most dynamic retail and leisure destination, Nancy’s blend of strategic insight and people-centred leadership makes her the perfect fit to drive that vision forward. Her commitment to creating inspiring spaces where teams and customers flourish will be invaluable as we build on Lakeside’s success.”
