VIJAY KUMAR BHATIA

VP – Phygital Commerce & Digital Strategy | Retail Real Estate Executive

Dubai, AE.

About

Dynamic and results-oriented Retail Real Estate Executive with over 25 years of leadership experience across India, the UAE, and the UK, delivering transformational growth across some of the region's most prominent retail destinations. A proven strategist and value creator with an exceptional track record in P&L management, asset repositioning, revenue acceleration, NOI enhancement, and operational excellence. Successfully led and transformed flagship retail assets, including High Street Phoenix (Mumbai), Inorbit Mall Hyderabad, Orion Malls (Bengaluru), and Prozone Mall (Coimbatore), consistently delivering industry-leading occupancy, EBITDA growth, and sustainable shareholder value. Recognized for turning around underperforming assets, optimizing tenant ecosystems, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and building high-performance teams that drive commercial success and customer experience excellence. Currently serving as Vice President – Phygital Commerce & Digital Strategy at Pathfinder Global, Dubai, operating at the convergence of physical retail and AI-powered commerce. Spearheading the development of intelligent, data-driven retail ecosystems by integrating AI-enabled analytics, omnichannel engagement, digital commerce, and retail technology innovation to future-proof retail assets and unlock new growth opportunities.

Work

Pathfinder Global

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Vice President – Phygital Commerce & Digital Strategy

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Summary

Leading AI-enabled retail commerce initiatives, integrating physical environments with digital engagement to build future-ready commerce ecosystems.

Highlights

Developed and executed go-to-market strategies supporting digital commerce expansion across multiple retail verticals.

Optimized customer acquisition and online sales conversion, improving service-level delivery to over 95%.

Established strategic logistics partnerships and implemented API integrations, enabling real-time order visibility.

Built market intelligence frameworks by identifying emerging retail technology trends for asset clients.

Alliance Mall Developers (Prozone Realty)

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Centre Director – Prozone Mall (Coimbatore)

Coimbatore, , India

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Summary

Accountable for full P&L of a major super-regional retail destination, overseeing commercial performance, leasing, operations, FM, marketing, and tenant management.

Highlights

Delivered 30% revenue growth through commercial optimization, tenant mix enhancement, and short-term leasing initiatives.

Achieved and sustained 95% occupancy via proactive lease renewals, brand remixing, and replacement of non-performing tenants.

Increased footfall and tenant sales productivity by 15% through data-led marketing campaigns and destination events.

Reduced operating costs by 12% through FM efficiency programs and vendor renegotiations while improving customer experience standards.

Managed P&L reporting, CAPEX programs, and asset improvement plans, presenting performance to senior leadership.

Brigade Group – Orion Malls

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Senior General Manager

, , India

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Summary

Provided strategic and operational leadership for a 1.4 million sq. ft. super-regional retail portfolio, with direct accountability for P&L, leasing, marketing, FM, and stakeholder management.

Highlights

Directed annual business plans, budgets, forecasts, and CapEx programs, presenting strategic performance reports to Board leadership.

Delivered 15% footfall growth through data-led marketing initiatives, seasonal activations, and consumer event programming.

Increased tenant sales productivity by 12% through targeted leasing strategy and tenant engagement programs.

Maintained occupancy above 92% while managing the full tenant lifecycle, including onboarding, fit-out compliance, and exit management.

Reduced operational costs by 10% and developed a sustainability roadmap supporting long-term NOI and rental growth.

K Raheja Corp – Inorbit Malls

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Centre Director

, , India

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Summary

Provided full commercial leadership for a premier retail destination, focusing on asset enhancement, team development, and customer experience transformation.

Highlights

Delivered 40% growth in revenue and NOI over tenure, achieving the strongest commercial outcome in the role's history.

Led award-winning mall transformation and repositioning programs, establishing the asset as an industry benchmark destination.

Directed major retail expansion projects, including food court redevelopment, driving significant footfall uplift and category mix improvement.

Strengthened anchor tenant and brand relationships, improving lease terms and long-term revenue visibility.

Won two national SCAI Awards for shopping centre repositioning excellence.

The Phoenix Mills Ltd.

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General Manager – High Street Phoenix

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

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Summary

Managed commercial operations and asset performance for one of India's most prominent retail destinations.

Highlights

Achieved the highest EBITDA performance within the group's portfolio, recognized as the benchmark asset operationally.

Enhanced operational efficiency through process redesign and team restructuring.

Maintained industry-leading tenant and customer satisfaction standards.

Successfully aligned all asset operations with revenue objectives, business plans, and corporate KPIs.

Kshitij Group / Everstone Capital Advisors

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General Manager – Pink Square Mall (Jaipur)

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

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Summary

Held full operational and commercial accountability for a prominent retail destination in Jaipur.

Highlights

Delivered over 98% budget accuracy across CAM, revenue, manpower, and capital budgets.

Expanded business across 5+ locations, monitoring retailer performance to drive 15% revenue growth.

Lifestyle, Landmark Group

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Retail Area Manager

, , United Arab Emirates

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Summary

Managed retail operations across multiple locations for Lifestyle, Landmark Group in the UAE.

Highlights

Oversaw retail operations, ensuring brand standards and customer satisfaction across multiple stores.

Implemented strategies to optimize sales performance and operational efficiency within the assigned area.

Season's Furnishings Ltd.

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Retail Head

Delhi-NCR, , India

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Summary

Led retail operations for Season's Furnishings Ltd. in the Delhi-NCR region.

Highlights

Directed retail strategies to enhance sales and market presence in the home furnishings sector.

Managed store teams to ensure high standards of customer service and operational execution.

Westside (Tata Trent)

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Store Manager

Delhi-NCR, , India

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Summary

Managed store operations for Westside (Tata Trent) in the Delhi-NCR region.

Highlights

Oversaw daily store operations, including sales, inventory management, and customer service.

Trained and supervised store staff to meet sales targets and operational objectives.

Bhatia Traders Ltd.

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Co-Founder (PVC Manufacturing)

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

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Summary

Co-founded and managed a PVC manufacturing business, overseeing initial setup and operations.

Highlights

Led business development and operational setup for a PVC manufacturing venture.

Managed initial production cycles and ensured product quality standards.

Lal's Group (Homes R Us / Lamcy Plaza / BHS)

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Retail Leadership

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Summary

Held various retail leadership roles across multiple brands within Lal's Group, including Homes R Us, Lamcy Plaza, and BHS.

Highlights

Managed diverse retail operations across multiple brands, contributing to regional market presence.

Developed and implemented strategies for sales growth and customer engagement across various retail formats.

Montecristo Ltd.

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Boutique Manager (Luxury Watches & Jewellery)

Gibraltar, , Gibraltar

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Summary

Managed a luxury watches and jewellery boutique for Montecristo Ltd. in Gibraltar.

Highlights

Oversaw sales, inventory, and customer service for a luxury retail boutique.

Cultivated client relationships and managed high-value transactions in the luxury goods market.

Education

Indian School of Business (ISB)

, , India
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Executive Education Leading High-Performance Teams

NICER Training Centre

, ,
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Diploma Computer Applications

Agarwal University (Rajasthan University)

, Rajasthan, India
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BSc BSc (Part II)

Central Academy School, Rajasthan Board

, Rajasthan, India
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High School Certificate

Awards

Best Shopping Centre of the Year

SCAI Award

Recognized for leading the top-performing shopping centre in the year.

Best Reorientation Project – Shopping Centre of the Year

SCAI Award

Recognized for successfully executing an outstanding shopping centre repositioning project.

Skills

CRM & ERP

Salesforce, Odoo CRM, SAP for Retail.

Digital

Digital Marketing, Campaign Management, Social Media, SEO & SEM, AI Tools & Platforms.

Analytics

Market Research & Analysis, Retail Analytics, Footfall Intelligence.

Productivity

Microsoft Office Suite.

Retail Leadership & Strategy

Full P&L & EBITDA Ownership, Asset Strategy & Business Planning, Tenant Mix Optimisation & Leasing Coordination, Occupancy & Revenue Management, CapEx / OpEx Planning & Cost Control, FM Oversight & HSE Compliance, Mall Repositioning & Transformation, AI-Enabled & Digital Commerce Strategy, Marketing, Events & Footfall Strategy, AMC Governance & Board Reporting, Stakeholder & Anchor Tenant Relations, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis, Customer Experience & Satisfaction Management.