Kathy Axmith
Toronto,ON
Summary
A dynamic leader in Retail Leasing with a proven track record, I excel in developing and executing strategic leasing strategies and fostering robust relationships across national markets. Renowned for aggressive yet fair deal-making, and an outgoing personality, my approach blends extensive retail leasing expertise with a collaborative spirit, driving significant portfolio growth and exceeding leasing targets.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Leasing
Riocan REIT
09.2016 - 11.2024
- Developed and managed leasing strategy for portfolio of over 28 retail Shopping Centres focused on the Ottawa and Kingston markets, including strip centres, pad locations, and new development sites.
- Managed and exceeded leasing budgets and leasing targets for assigned portfolio.
- Identified and pursued new tenancies for vacancies and to backfill weak tenants with strong and stable tenancies.
- Monitored all existing tenants within portfolio and took proactive measures to renew their Leases.
- Prepared and negotiated all lease documents including Agreements to Lease, LOI, offers to lease, renewals, expansions and amending agreements including drafting of specific clauses eg. use and exclusive clauses.
- Researched and reported on leasing activity in market including conducting market tours with senior management.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with tenants; national, regional and local to market.
- Built and maintained large broker network nationally and specifically in the Ottawa/Kingston market.
- Collaborated closely with construction, asset management, property management and legal departments ensuring smooth completion of transactions and ensure timelines are met.
- Arranged and executed portfolio reviews with existing and prospective tenants.
- Arranged and executed market tours with senior management.
- Acted as a RIOCAN MENTOR, mentoring three junior colleagues.
Director of Leasing
MTY Group
04.2011 - 09.2016
- Preparation and updating of strategic real estate development plans for all MTY brands geographically from Kingston, Ontario to Victoria BC.
- Negotiation of all Real Estate transactions including Offers to Lease, leases, renewals, expansions and lease "buy outs".
- Site selection and market analysis fo new locations in power centres, strip centres, pad locations, new development sites and non-traditional locations.
- Collaboration with franchising, legal and construction departments regarding all aspects of transactions.
- Build, maintain and strengthen relationships with Landlords, Brokers, and consultants to identify prospective sites to satisfy and exceed development objectives and stay up with upcoming projects.
- Represented MTY and its brands with the Landlord and broker communities nationally and at industry conference and events.
- Organized market tours
- Managed Leasing Coordinator
Real Estate Manager
Manchu WOK
04.2010 - 04.2011
- preparation and updating of strategic real estate development plan across Canada and the USA.
- negotiation of all real estate transactions including offers to lease, leases, and renewals.
- site selection for new locations in strip centres and enclosed Shopping Centre food courts across Canada and the USA.
- managing all lease renewals for current locations in Canada and the USA including non-traditional locations such as army bases, hospitals, university campuses.
- build and maintain relationships with Landlords, real estate brokers and consultants to satisfy and exceed development objectives.
- represented Manchu WOK within the Landlord and broker communities and at industry conferences and events in Canada and the USA.
- prepared marketplace site visits and tours as required.
- managed leasing coordinator
- worked closely with franchising, construction and legal departments.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Politica,l Science
Carleton University
Ottawa, ONHonors Diploma - Law Clerk
Seneca College of Applied Arts And Technology
Toronto, ONSkills
- Passionate Retail Leasing Professional
- Extensive experience acting for both Landlord and Tenant nationally
- Aggressive, fearless, fair deal maker
- Connected and respected relationship builder
- Collaborative Team player
- Proven Leader and Mentor
Languages
English
Full Professional
Additional Information
- Member of ICSC
- Participated in Riocan Mentoring Program mentoring junior team members
- Participated in Women's Initiative and DEI Committees
- Organized corporate fundraising hockey team for Baycrest ProAm raising funds for Alzheimers reseach at the Baycrest Foundation
Timeline
Director of Leasing
Riocan REIT
09.2016 - 11.2024
Director of Leasing
MTY Group
04.2011 - 09.2016
Real Estate Manager
Manchu WOK
04.2010 - 04.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Politica,l Science
Carleton University
Honors Diploma - Law Clerk
Seneca College of Applied Arts And Technology
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