VIA Outlets, the premium fashion outlet operator backed by Dutch institutional giant APG, has made a strategic leadership appointment that signals an acceleration of its ambitious expansion plans across Central Europe. The company has named Marianne Wesselo as Regional Business Director for its Central Region, positioning her to oversee a portfolio expansion that could unlock significant value for investors.
Wesselo's appointment comes as VIA Outlets prepares to execute what industry sources suggest could represent over €100m in combined expansion investments across three key markets. The company is advancing a 4,800m² extension at Landquart Fashion Outlet in Switzerland, scheduled to open in March 2026, whilst simultaneously developing expansion strategies for both Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet in Germany and Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet in the Netherlands.
The timing of this appointment reflects a broader institutional confidence in the outlet retail sector, particularly as traditional retail faces ongoing challenges. With her 30-year track record including senior roles at Corio/Klépierre and most recently as Head of Retail Asset Management for the Netherlands and Belgium at CBRE Investment Management, Wesselo brings critical expertise in retail real estate development that could prove invaluable for institutional investors seeking diversified European exposure.
"Marianne's appointment is fundamental for the execution of VIA Outlets' organic growth strategy with our three outlet centres in the central region in the starting blocks poised for further growth," said Johan Bergenthal, Chief Operating Officer at VIA Outlets. The strategic focus on organic growth rather than acquisitions suggests a disciplined approach that should appeal to yield-focused institutional capital.
What makes this development particularly compelling for real estate investors is VIA Outlets' unique positioning within APG's portfolio. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of one of Europe's largest pension fund managers, the company operates with patient capital and long-term investment horizons, creating opportunities for joint ventures and development partnerships that traditional retail REITs might struggle to access.
"I'm excited to begin this new chapter and look forward to working closely with our centre teams, brand partners and other stakeholders to further develop our three premium outlets in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland," Wesselo commented on her appointment, highlighting the cross-border nature of the expansion strategy that positions VIA Outlets to capitalise on Europe's recovering consumer spending patterns.
People mentioned:
- Marianne Wesselo, Regional Business Director, VIA Outlets
- Johan Bergenthal, Chief Operating Officer, VIA Outlets
Companies mentioned:
- VIA Outlets - Premium fashion outlet operator
- APG - Dutch institutional investor
- Corio/Klépierre - Retail real estate company
- CBRE Investment Management - Real estate investment management
- Landquart Fashion Outlet - Swiss fashion outlet
- Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet - German fashion outlet
- Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet - Dutch fashion outlet
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