Maggie Milosavljevic is commercial director at investment company LabTech London, owner of Camden Market. She reflects on her background, her proudest moments and the challenges that she has overcome.
How did you join the property industry?
I worked on the restaurant side at Harrods for more than 15 years, and although that job was amazing, Camden reeled me in. It has a life and soul like no other and is home to so many unique and independent businesses.
What does your job entail?
My job as commercial director mainly entails the leasing and planning of the Camden markets, as well as leading on the strategic direction. I manage the day-to-day operations, ensuring that things run smoothly and safely; but I also have a large involvement in delivering an experience and unique tenant composition, which is vital not only to the portfolio’s success but also LabTech’s wider placemaking strategy.
What do you like most about the property industry?
Meeting new, independent and creative brands is something I really love, and it is great to play a vital part in their growth and success. It is a very dynamic industry – every day is different, bringing with it various highs and lows, and it keeps it very exciting.
And what do you dislike most about it?
Urban development is tricky, and I think there is a lack of understanding sometimes on how slow and complex this process can be. There is a lot that goes into it, and there are many factors at play such as government bodies, councils, landlords and so on that can slow the process down. However, I don’t shy away from the challenges and as a very results-driven person, I always find a way to make things work.
What barriers or challenges have you overcome?
The results we have achieved over the past few years have been incredible, and I am very proud to have a strong and focused team around me. We have managed to drastically simplify the leasing process at LabTech and improve the overall tenant and landlord relationships across the board, which – above all else – is a key priority for us.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Over my career at LabTech, we have renovated and revitalised the North Yard, creating a unique and distinctive tenant mix. We have introduced debut leisure experiences such as Tomb Raider: The LIVE Experience, Peaky Blinders: The Rise, and Babylon Park in the space of a year, taking Camden Market’s leisure scene to new heights.
We also opened the UK’s first eco-conscious consumer market in the summer of 2020, as well as launching Camden Market Hawley Wharf – the first new major retail and leisure destination to arrive in London since the start of the pandemic.
What do you value in people?
Integrity and willingness – they are important qualities in terms not only of personality but also what you contribute to a team.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in the property industry?
Don’t be scared to make mistakes – it is all a part of learning and growing as a professional – and never be afraid to ask questions. Use people’s experiences to your advantage – there will always be an answer.
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