Savills strengthens Retail practice with hire of Thea Rowe

International real estate advisor Savills has strengthened its Middle East team with the hire of Thea Rowe.

Based out of Dubai, Thea Rowe is a member of the firm’s Retail practice, which helps both established names in the retail and luxury industry and new entrants grow their presence within the Middle East market. Rowe will focus specifically on cross-border engagements, leveraging her previous experience in the UK at Bruce Gillingham Pollard.

At the niche agency for the retail, restaurant and leisure market, Rowe spent over a decade, working with some of the UK’s largest and most reputable landlords and leisure brands across leasing and tenant representation services. She grew the ranks to Associate Director, the same title she now holds at Savills.

Commenting on her appointment and relocation to Dubai, Rowe said: “The Middle East offers a fast-paced and vibrant retail environment, which more recently, has opened up to increasingly more international operators. Working at Savills, I’m excited to bring some new entrants into the market, as well as advising some of the local operators as they continue to flourish here.”

Toby Hall, Head of Commercial Agency at Savills in the Middle East, stated: “Thea will be an excellent addition to our cross-border retail team. Bringing her expertise within retail leasing, Thea is well positioned to drive forward our plans in the Middle East.”

The appointment of Rowe comes at a time of continued growth for the GCC’s retail scene, despite consumers globally tightening their belts. A recent report from Savills highlighted that a similar trend is visible in the premium and luxury segments. Much of the region’s upward trajectory in retail and luxury is driven by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the region’s powerhouse economies.