Shopping Centers Today is the news magazine of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Issue link: https://sct.epubxp.com/i/863214
32 S C T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 The importance of data security and an increase in demand for technological solutions from corporate clients and con- sumers alike have led to the emergence of a new breed of senior-level executives at real estate firms: chief information officers — sometimes referred to as chief technology offi- cers, information technology directors or chief digital infor- mation officers. "As technology becomes increasingly prevalent in all of our lives, it becomes increasingly important in business, because we have to be able to reach those shoppers and our retailers the way that they're engaging in their own lives," said Cheryl M. VanPatten, senior vice president and chief information officer at Columbus, Ohio–based Washington Prime Group, a publicly traded REIT. Washington Prime, which owns 110 shopping centers, was spun off from Si- mon in 2014 and then merged with Glimcher Realty Trust the following year. VanPatten, who had been with Glimcher Dave Cole, vice president and chief technology officer, Devonshire REIT since 2010, says that in only the few years between then and now, the technological evolution has begun to feel more like revolution. "Even in the time I've been here, it's changed dra- matically," she said. "What I really find exciting about IT now is that we are much more involved with the consumer side. It's all about: How do we drive traffic to the property, and how do we reach the consumers?" This mindset is indicative of the important role chief information officers now play in helping companies create and execute business strategy. Only a few years ago, the role What I really find exciting about IT now is that we are much more involved with the consumer side