Raj Chandani
Carlsbad,CA
Summary
Retail property management leader with 20+ years of experience in Open Air Lifestyle Centers, Enclosed Malls, Power Centers, and Community Centers. Directed operations, financial performance, tenant relations, capital programs and expense management while maximizing NOI and improving the customer experience. Proven record of protecting asset value, strengthening tenant relationships, and delivering safe, engaging shopping environments. Trusted partner to owners, joint ventures and third party management company’s. Exceptionally organized with a track record that demonstrates self-motivation and drive to achieve company and personal goals.
Overview
1
1
Certification
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional General Manager
Northwood Retail - Forum Carlsbad & Scripps Ranch
12.2014 - 08.2026
- Asset management responsibility for all aspects of financial and center operations.
- Increased overall NOI by 30% through strategic lease restructuring and strategic CAM expense reduction.
- Increased sales to over $1,200 psf during tenure, creating tremendous value in the project.
- Sustained center occupancy above 90% during volatile market cycles through proactive tenant relationships and lease negotiations.
- Developed annual budget and reforecast center income and expenses, ensuring financial alignment with operational goals.
- Align with leasing, development and marketing to attract fresh new retail and minimize tenant vacancy.
- Re-energized common areas to enhance the customer experience and increase dwell time. New additions include children's play structure, soft seating, outdoor green space, farmers market, pet amenities and weekly entertainment to enrich visitor engagement.
- Capital projects include a complete overhaul of our breezeway and koi pond, roof enhancements, asphalt upgrades, restroom remodel, holiday décor, exterior signage, common area music system, landscape pots and new security system.
- Developed successful relationships with City officials to positively impact the approval of several incoming deals.
- Provided monthly key financial reporting to our JV partners.
- Aggressive schedule optimization, and cross-functional leadership across architects, general contractors, and corporate executives.
General Manager
Westfield - Valencia Town Center
01.2006 - 11.2014
- Joint Venture with TIAA-CREF representing 175 retailers including 15 full-service sit-down restaurants.
- Directed operations of 1.2M sqft outdoor lifestyle center, serving 10M customers with $305M in annual sales.
- Managed a $130M redevelopment of Valencia Town Center. Added 65 premium retailers representing 130K sqft.
- Managed 3 budgets with an NOI of $25M and CAM expense of $6.5M.
- Led 5 department heads and coordinated security, housekeeping, and maintenance teams to ensure operational efficiency.
- Managed center costs, achieving $250K in savings on CAM expenses.
- Presented budget, business plan and forecasts to TIA-CREF.
General Manager/Assistant General Manager
Westfield - Mission Valley, Topanga & Culver City
01.2002 - 12.2005
- Directed a $13M food court development including 12 new food retailers.
- Accelerated tenant openings ahead of scheduled completion, enhancing overall project timeline.
- Design and execute innovative customer service initiatives tailored for affluent clientele.
- Examine sales trends and interact with tenants to understand business models for identifying opportunities that drive traffic and boost sales.
- Coordinated holiday parking and traffic management strategies to optimize customer access and improve visitor experience.
- Managed and trained security team to mitigate gang related incidents on property.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Southern California
Los AngelesSkills
- Asset Management
- NOI & Expense Management
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Financial reporting
- Lease Negotiations
- Tenant Relations & Retention
- Value Enhancement
- Property Transitions
- Vendor & Contract Management
- Capital Improvements
- Construction oversight
Certification
- CA Real Estate License #01953577
Timeline
Regional General Manager
Northwood Retail - Forum Carlsbad & Scripps Ranch
12.2014 - 08.2026
General Manager
Westfield - Valencia Town Center
01.2006 - 11.2014
General Manager/Assistant General Manager
Westfield - Mission Valley, Topanga & Culver City
01.2002 - 12.2005
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Southern California