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Ingka Centres has appointed Sebastian Hylving as its new managing director. He succeeds Cindy Andersen, who recently became deputy chief executive at Ingka Group.
Hylving joined the firm in 2022 and previously served as global expansion and development director. He has overseen portfolio growth across Europe, China, India, and North America.
The company, which is part of the Ingka Group and includes IKEA Retail, operates 37 destinations across 14 markets. These sites attract more than 300m visits annually.
Before joining the business, Hylving was property and expansion director at Ikano Retail. He managed expansion for IKEA stores and shopping centres across Southeast Asia and Mexico.
The operator reported that visitation across its portfolio grew by 18% last year to 320m visitors. Partner sales rose by 25% to more than €5bn.
In China, annual visitation has more than doubled since 2022. The company recently acquired Pasing Arcaden in Munich, Churchill Square in Brighton, and Italie Deux in Paris.
The firm has reduced its operational climate footprint by 77% over the last decade. It is currently progressing major projects in Gurugram and Noida in India.
Hylving said: “Ingka Centres has a unique role in creating destinations that feel meaningful for visitors and valuable for our partners and communities. I’ve seen how strong our meeting places can be when people spend time together, brands thrive, and local life is reflected in everything we do.
“As I step into this role, my focus is on nurturing that strength – building on what works today while staying curious about how our places can continue to evolve for the many people. I’m looking forward to deepening our collaborations and exploring new ways to support the partners and communities that bring our meeting places to life every day.”
