Louis Conforti, CEO of retail REIT Washington Prime Group Inc. (NYSE: WPG), joined REIT.com for a CEO Spotlight video interview at REITWorld 2016: NAREIT’s Annual Convention for All Things REIT at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge.
Conforti was named interim CEO of the company in June and appointed to permanent position in October. He said his top goals since taking over have been buttressing the company from an operational standpoint and practicing financial prudence.
Conforti stressed the “symbiotic relationship” that exists today between physical retail space and e-commerce.
Washington Prime is responding to changing consumer habits by implementing “practicable technology” at its centers, including digital screens and better Wi-Fi, Conforti said.
Looking ahead, Conforti said he expects retail trends in 2017 to be a continuation of those seen in 2016. As the retail environment continues to adapt, “it’s up to us to bring dynamism to our space,” he said.