Westfarms has named Elizabeth Ryan as its new general manager, succeeding Alberto Arebalo in that role, according to an announcement from the mall.
Ryan began serving as general manager of the Taubman Centers-owned mall in June, and had worked for Westfarms 20 years ago as its director of marketing.
Ryan, a Connecticut native and a graduate of UConn, has overseen shopping center openings and expansions. She has previously worked at malls including Valley Fair in San Jose, California, and King of Prussia in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
When she returned to Connecticut, she served as general manager of two luxury shopping centers in Greater Hartford, the Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk and The Shoppes at Buckland Hills.
“Westfarms has always been an exceptionally special shopping center to me,” Ryan said. “It is renowned for its exclusive offerings and vibrant atmosphere, and I am honored to be back at this iconic shopping destination. I look forward to collaborating with employees, merchants and the community here to create a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience that exceeds our customers’ expectations.”
Arebalo left Westfarms to take the GM job at International Plaza, another Taubman-owned mall in Tampa Bay, Florida, the company said
During his tenure, Arebalo worked to maintain the mall’s competitive edge by recruiting new-to-market retailers, brands not found at nearby shopping centers.
