News Content
Today we meet Emmanuelle Grenault, who has been with URW since 2014. From an initial leasing role to leading a key team in France, her story is a journey of curiosity, versatility and continuous learning.
"I joined URW almost by chance," explains Emmanuelle Grenault. "I saw an ad on my business school's website for a role at the company, so I applied. I really didn't know anything about the real estate industry, but I found the people I met during my interview so inspiring and motivating that I immediately knew it was the right place for me.
"My first role was with the Leasing team, and it was very broad. I how revenue is generated for the business, how the industry works and the way it’s evolving. I learned about the financial, technical and legal side of the business and the way we craft an engaging retail offer for visitors. I got to express so many aspects of my skills, my interests and my personality in this one role."
A move into Development
Emmanuelle held a number of roles in the Leasing team over three-and-a-half years before switching track. "I hadn't worked in Development, so I asked my manager whether there were any opportunities. I thought the job was more geared for engineering graduates, but the Development team was actively recruiting people with different backgrounds."
This is a key aspect of URW's approach, Emmanuelle says. "The Group doesn’t recruit people with one skill to fill a specific task. It recruits people for their potential and then gives them opportunities to increase their skills, confidence and experience." Throughout, people are encouraged to approach things in their own way, with the support and mentorship of other experienced colleagues.
Emmanuelle spent three years in Development – helping to shape long-term construction projects. "Every year was different," she says. "We were working on infrastructure projects that involve transportation, demographics and economic shifts, so I ended up with a macro view of the real estate world."
Exploring the next challenge
In 2020, Emmanuelle returned to the Leasing team in a management position, before taking up her current role. "I'm now responsible for two teams, one that manages the leasing strategy of four of our French assets and the negotiations with several key retailers in the French portfolio; and another that manages the common areas in our centres – the parking, the communal spaces, the rooftops," she explains. "It's a diverse role. You need to have a legal mind, a financial perspective and an aptitude for sales – plus some creativity!"
Her work involves collaborating with other teams, including Investment management, Legal, Technical and the Shopping Centre Management. "Most of our daily work is cross-departmental. We negotiate leases, work on restructuring projects and find new ways of using the spaces in our centres. It's a very complete job."
Are there any aspects of URW Emmanuelle has yet to explore? "In our industry, nothing is ever the same. Politics, economics, laws – everything shifts quickly, which keeps me energised. Every year, there's a new challenge."
Emmanuelle's key takeaways
What's a key skill you need for this industry?
Emmanuelle: Soft skills are key, especially communication. You need to explain complex matters to different stakeholders and bring everyone together around shared goals.
What aspect of your work or the company are you most proud of?
Emmanuelle: I'm proud to be part of a company that continually strives to innovate across all functions and to be a trailblazer in its industry.
What's exciting about a career with URW?
Emmanuelle: People here are truly invested – not just in their jobs but in the company's mission. We're always looking for new ways to create value, whether through leasing strategies or innovative concepts that haven't been tried at other companies.
