This exclusive Q&A forms part of the Inside Leasing feature published in the latest issue of SCN magazine. With more than three decades in retail leasing – including 22 years shaping some of Westfield’s most iconic destinations – Alecia Johnson reflects on her career highlights, lessons learned, and what’s next.
SHOPPING CENTRE NEWS: How did you get started in retail leasing?
Alecia Johnson: My experience in leasing spans more than 30 years. I started my career with Colliers Jardine, working across both commercial and retail assets, then transitioning to specialise in retail leasing working at Byvan Management & FPD Savills. After honing my skills leading some amazing neighbourhood-centre transformations and projects including Casula Mall, Campbelltown Mall and Carnes Hill Marketplace, I then took the big leap to work with Westfield in 2003.
During the last 22 years with Westfield Scentre Group, I’ve had the privilege of shaping some incredible destinations, first starting my journey at Burwood, Parramatta, Chatswood and Eastgardens, followed by the passion project at Westfield Bondi shaping the luxury, fashion and lifestyle offer for 15 years. I also had the opportunity to work across the broader Australian and New Zealand portfolio, curating the malls to deliver high-performing fashion precincts, enhancing customer appeal and performance across Westfield destinations.
Most recently, I had the opportunity to work alongside some incredible talent to evolve Westfield Sydney and finally deliver the 101C Chanel project, transforming the old David Jones heritage building, expanding luxury in Westfield Sydney.
SCN: You recently finished your role with Scentre Group, what’s next for you?
AJ: After an incredible 22 years with Scentre Group, I’m taking time to focus on family and friends – re-energising, renewing, and embracing the next chapter. I’m deeply proud of the destinations we created, the trusted relationships built, and the inspiring brands and people I had the privilege to work alongside.
While my time with Scentre Group has concluded, the relationships, connections, and trust remain – the heartbeat of my career and the foundation as I embark on an exciting new chapter and the next passion project.
SCN: Do you have any career highlights – proudest moments, favourite projects, most memorable deal?
AJ: With a career spanning more than 30 years, it’s hard to narrow down highlights, but I would call out my time at Westfield Bondi Junction – stabilising, curating, and leading the leasing strategy, evolving luxury, and strengthening contemporary fashion to help shape this iconic destination.
I am also proud to have delivered several first-to-market brands – in some cases decades in the making – including Brandy Melville, Reiss, Tory Burch, and most recently Loro Piana, set to launch at Westfield Sydney in early 2026. Another highlight was leading the landmark Chanel project at 101C Westfield Sydney – a complex and transformative development that redefined a heritage building, expanded the luxury offer, and reshaped this end of Market Street.
I’ve also had the privilege of working with leading brands such as Mecca, Lululemon, and JD Sports, supporting their growth and transformation through strategic account management. I am deeply grateful for the trust these brands and their people placed in me to help grow their presence and performance across Australia and New Zealand.
SCN: What do you love about leasing?
AJ: What I love most is the partnership – connecting the right retailers and brands with the right assets and locations so they can truly thrive. From identifying new and emerging brands to collaborating with established brands, I thrive on strategic discussions that blend market insight, customer data, and brand intelligence with long-term relationship building. In addition, it’s rewarding to transform and curate retail space to energise malls and establish iconic destinations that enrich the lives of the local community, alongside helping people and teams grow and evolve.
SCN: What makes a successful retail/landlord partnership?
AJ: A successful partnership is built on mutual trust, transparent communication, and aligned goals – underpinned by a genuine understanding of each other’s business models, priorities and pressure points. Flexibility, problem-solving, and adaptability are essential, as is a commitment to fostering strong, connected relationships. Both parties must be willing to engage in honest – and at times challenging – conversations, while embracing their shared responsibility to navigate obstacles, capture opportunities, and achieve success together.
SCN: Your favourite retailer and why?
AJ: Mecca is without doubt a standout. Under the leadership of founder Jo Horgan, the brand has redefined beauty retailing and continues to evolve, adapt, and deliver world-class flagship experiences. The recent Bourke Street opening is a testament to the team’s drive, passion and commitment to pushing boundaries. Mecca consistently sets new benchmarks for the industry, and I look forward to seeing their journey of innovation and success continue.
SCN: What’s one misconception retailers often have about negotiating a lease?
AJ: New retailers still ask how percentage rent is calculated in their lease, and whether their POS systems are linked to the landlord in any way – often followed by, ‘Will the landlord really find out or care how much turnover we generate?’
This quickly becomes a coaching moment on the importance of transparency, accurate reporting, and the role turnover plays in shaping a sustainable landlord-retailer partnership. It’s an opportunity to shift the focus from compliance to collaboration – helping retailers understand that their performance data is not just about rent, but about creating insights that drive stronger centre performance, tailored support, and ultimately, mutual success.
SCN: What advice would you give to someone starting a career in retail leasing?
AJ: Build strong relationships, know your market inside-out, and master the detail behind leases and numbers. The role demands resilience, as not every deal will land, and the ability to ‘spin plates’ – juggling multiple negotiations, stakeholders and deadlines while staying calm and solutions-focused – is important. Equally important is being authentic and giving back by educating and supporting retail partners; the most trusted leasing professionals are those who build genuine, lasting partnerships. Above all, stay curious, seek mentors, and treat every negotiation as a chance to learn and grow.
- This article was first published in SCN magazine – Mini Guns 2025 edition
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