Name: Mark Bruce
Job title: Data and insights director, Kinexio
What I do: I am part of the Kinexio team, a global enterprise software platform focused on commercial property management. I lead data strategy, ensuring data-driven decision-making and optimising business performance through analytics. We recently launched an AI-enriched data platform that enables property owners to analyse operational and sales data, optimising leasing strategies.
Why I got into the property industry: Actually, by accident. I spent 20 years in the retail industry and was always fascinated by data and the broader property industry. After my career progressed into property management and then data and insights, I could see the opportunity to educate, influence and lead CRE owners and operators to better understand their customers, both tenants and shoppers. There is nothing more rewarding than the buzz of a busy retail destination full of people socialising, shopping, dining and enjoying themselves.
How I did it: Working from the shop floor up to retail director – I am still a retailer at heart! I never set out to cross to the other side. After many years cutting my teeth operating fashion stores, my real estate career started with British Land in Meadowhall. They were looking for an experienced retailer, rather than another real estate person. who spoke the same language, understood the needs of the customer, and could analyse data to deliver insights and strategy. It was groundbreaking at the time and enabled the implementation of wholesale changes, built a whole community based on collaboration and mutual goals, and data sharing.
My first proper job: My first “proper” job was as a trainee manager for Primark. It was a fantastic training scheme, though I was a little shocked when they offered me my first role in Glasgow. It was a now-or-never moment, so I packed my bags and set off for Scotland. There was no better way to learn retail, and to this day, there are lessons learned from those early retail days on the shop floor that I continue to call upon.
My first big break: Probably joining the insight team at British Land after several years learning the ropes and project implementations at Meadowhall. I was provided with the opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of assets, including mixed-use, retail parks, and shopping centres. It was a steep learning curve, an exciting challenge, and incredibly rewarding to share how data and insights could be utilised to increase ROI and better connect with customers and tenants.
My inspiration(s): I’ve been fortunate to have worked with so many great people throughout my career. Arthur Ryan (founder, chairman and CEO) was an incredible retailer who had a natural ability to keep things simple while delivering incredible results. Secondly, it would be Tim Whitworth (CEO of Republic) who was one of the most driven and passionate leaders I have had the fortune to work with. Most recently, the team at Kinexio, who day in day out demonstrate the most positive attitude, deliver amazing work and create a wonderful culture. And most importantly, my wife without whose support, encouragement, and patience (so much patience), I wouldn’t be where I am today. She’s a truly inspirational lady.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Operating a super-regional shopping centre during Covid. Maintaining business continuity while adjusting to changing legislation, customer concern and retailer needs was a period I wouldn’t want to repeat, but I look back fondly at how the team pulled together, and an event that brought the community closer together. There were no off-the-shelf answers to the challenges we faced, so we had to adapt and learn fast. Managing customer occupancy numbers to control social distancing in a 1.5m sq ft shopping centre, where retailers needed to trade, whilst keeping everyone informed, safe and retaining trust, was an enormous challenge. These real-world challenges are what ultimately inspired my next step. I set out to find the best way to enable seamless communication across large spaces, supporting safety, clarity and trust, while helping tenants achieve their leasing and commercial goals – which is ultimately how I found Kinexio, which was of course, called Mallcomm at the time.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Opening over 60 new stores while growing the Republic fashion business is something I am very proud of and look back on fondly. Getting the job at British Land and adapting to the world of real estate, followed by joining the team at Kinexio and adapting again into the proptech industry. I’m very proud of how, each time, I have been able to step outside my comfort zone and adapt and learn while always remembering where it all started.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: People often underestimate the complexity of owning, managing and operating commercial real estate locations. The best locations make it look simple, but behind the scenes, there is a large team with diverse skills wearing multiple hats and handling a huge variety of challenges day in and day out. It’s a fabulous industry built on teamwork and trusted relationships.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Some elements of the industry are bogged down in legal and regulatory processes, which, although they have a place and serve a purpose, slow down decision making and delivery. Also, I would like to see a faster adoption of technology. However, there are positive signs that the industry is changing. The more the commercial real estate industry adopts technological solutions and unlocks the power of data and insights, the better it will become, and everyone will benefit from improved locations.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: For me, diversity is not just about having a lot of different people bringing different perspectives to the table. It’s about making sure everyone feels like they belong. This ethos dates to my shop floor days, making everyone feel welcome and a valued customer, to operating a retail destination with an incredibly diverse customer base, ensuring we catered to everyone’s needs. The industry has historically suffered from a lack of diversity, but it is improving.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: The property industry has such a big impact on our environment and an equally important part to play to make a positive difference. Over recent years, it’s encouraging to see so many new ideas and initiatives to help reach goals, and I am excited to see innovations come to the forefront that will make a real difference. There’s a lot of work to do, but progress has been made.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: Still working outside my comfort zone, learning from peers and colleagues while making a difference and adding value. Kinexio has a brilliant culture of teamwork, innovation and supporting new ideas, which I am equally passionate about. I’m excited about future growth from a career perspective and from a business perspective.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: It would need to be a big table! Bob Dylan for the music, Stephen Fry for his intellect and wit, Sir Ranulph Fiennes for the after-dinner stories, plus friends and family, and a Michelin-starred chef – perhaps Paul Ainsworth – to make sure everyone is well fed.
What I do in my downtime: I’m a keen, although not particularly good, runner and love the time it provides for some headspace. I am learning the guitar and wish I’d started when I was much younger. I love live music and try to attend as many gigs as possible with my son, who has fortunately inherited my taste in music. Sorry!
The job I’d be doing if I were not doing this: Running a small shop combining a café, selling vinyl records and running/walking equipment somewhere picturesque.
My advice for someone just starting out: Do what you love. It shouldn’t feel like work, just something that you do. Learn as much as you can by asking questions and listening to advice, and never forget where your career started and the lessons learned. Keep it as simple as you can.
My motto/mantra: You only have regrets if you don’t make the most out of every opportunity.
