Savills Expands Retail Expertise with New Cross-Border Appointment

Savills, a leading international real estate consultancy, has enhanced its global cross-border retail capabilities with the strategic appointment of Thea Rowe.

Thea transitions to Savills from Bruce Gillingham Pollard, where she spent over ten years working across leasing and tenant representation. During her tenure, she collaborated with some of the UK’s most prominent landlords and high-profile leisure brands, gaining invaluable expertise in the retail sector.

Strategic Presence in Dubai

In her new role, Thea will be based in Dubai, further strengthening Savills’ global retail advisory services in the Middle East. She will focus on assisting both new market entrants and established brands in expanding their presence within the region’s rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Luxury Retail Growth in the Middle East

Despite a global slowdown in luxury store openings, a recent Savills report highlights that the Middle East remains a key growth market. The region’s luxury goods sector is on track to double in value, reaching €30 billion by 2030. This surge is largely driven by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, two nations that are redefining the global luxury retail scene.

Toby Hall, Head of Commercial Agency at Savills Middle East, comments: “Thea will be an excellent addition to the cross-border retail team from the key hub of Dubai, continuing to deliver a fully integrated and consistent service offering. Brands across categories are not only recognising the region’s phenomenal economic growth, but also its growing appeal as an international tourist destination. Bringing her expertise within retail leasing, Thea is well positioned to drive forward our plans in the Middle East.

Thea Rowe, Associate Director at Savills, adds: “The Middle East offers a fast-paced and vibrant retail environment, which more recently, has opened up to increasingly more international operators. Working at Savills, I’m excited to bring some new entrants into the market, as well as advising some of the local operators as they continue to flourish here.”