Westfield Group Forms Big Data and Analytics Division

In the US, shopping center operator Westfield Corporation has appointed Raghav Lal as its first Chief Data and Analytics Officer, responsible for overseeing a newly formed Big Data and Analytics division.

Westfield's portfolio of 40 centers attracted more than 435 million customer visits and $17 billion in retail sales during 2014. The group currently captures data from shoppers using technology such as WiFi cameras and beacons. Lal (pictured) joins from Visa, where he worked for the past decade, and was most recently SVP, Global Head of Analytics, responsible for establishing the firm's Data and Analytics function. Before this, he spent five years at American Express, the last three as General Manager, Small Business.

In his new role, Lal will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing and deploying the company's data strategy at Westfield's properties in the US and UK, and soon in Milan, Italy. He will work closely with Chief Digital Officer Kevin McKenzie, who oversees Westfield Labs, and CITO Denise Taylor, who is responsible for technology including cameras and beacons, installed in the shopping centers.

CEO Steven Lowy comments: ''We expect Big Data to have a major impact on how we manage our traditional functions of developing, leasing and managing our assets. The appointment of Lal continues our increasing focus on the use of technology and is a further addition to the new skills we are bringing into the company'.

Web site: www.westfieldcorp.com .