Making

Our High-Flyer of the Month for June is Jočo Carlos Pereira Xavier, a member of the board of the Apsys Group. He was responsible for their development of the Manufaktura shopping, leisure and culture centre in Łódź, which opened in May and is one of the biggest in Europe

 What do you like most and least aboutdoing business in Poland?

I especially appreciate the capacity of Polish people to welcome foreigners and their language skills. Poland has an incredible potential, to do business here is much easier than many people can imagine. On the other hand, I dislike the fact that we have to sign a contract for almost everything and the high dependency on mobile phones.

 Who do you most admire in the real estate business?

I have a special admiration for our Apsys Group President –Mr. Maurice Bansay, because he had the courage to invest in a country and especially in a city (Łódź) in which few investors believed. Today, after the opening of Manufaktura, everybody is wondering how it was possible to complete such a great project, with one extremely difficult task being the revitalization of an entire district in Łódź. I strongly believe that the answer for that lies in the global philosophy of Apsys reflected in Jean Cocteau’s motto “We must do today what everyone else will be doing tomorrow”. In the real estate market we have a visionary approach, ignore stereotypes and always opt for innovation and creation.  I am extremely pleased that I took part in this vision and its implementation. The dreams have come true in Łódz...

 How did you first get into real estate?

It was by coincidence. 10 years ago there was no special training in the real estate market. I did my studies in communication and hotel management and applied for a job at Sonae Sierra Group (the largest Portuguese real estate group), where I held the position of deputy shopping centre director, in one of the major shopping centers in Oporto, with 160 shops and 55,000 sqm of gross lettable space. At that time I felt immediately that real estate and the retail industry fulfilled completely my expectations in terms of my professional career. In fact, by luck my destiny brought me to this profession.

 What do you regard as your greatest professional success so far?

My greatest professional success was to be assigned to manage and open Manufaktura, the lifestyle centre with the greatest shopping, leisure and culture on offer in Central Europe, as well as one of the biggest and most prestigious European projects. On the top of that, I believe that one of my greatest successes is the fact that I have been always working for international and top shopping centre companies.

 What is your greatest failure?

I think it is the fact that I am still not able to have a proper conversation in Polish, but when you work in this business the day is simply too short – spending sometimes more than 12 hours at work doesn’t allow me to improve my Polish language skills!

 What contribution do you think you have made to Polishsociety through your business activities?

I think that after almost one year, I have been able to introduce to our flag ship project Manufaktura some of the best shopping and leisure centre management tools, especially in areas such as customer services, tenant relations and marketing tactics. Our mission is to treat our customers as the most important assets – everything we do is focused on their comfort and pleasure when shopping.

 Which major projects are you planning in the near future?

My first project is to position Manufaktura as the most important and well-known destination in Poland for shopping, leisure and culture. This will strengthen the position of the Apsys Group as a leader on the market and one of the most outstanding shopping and leisure developers and managers in Poland and in France.

 Which is your favourite building and why?

The Palace of Culture... I am aware of the feelings this building evokes in Polish society, but as a foreigner I found it a very interesting attraction. I also like the Westin Hotel for being a perfect example of the new modern Poland.

 Which living person do you most admire and why?

In general I don’t have any particular person that I admire. But I have enormous respect  for all the unknown people and all the individuals that participate in humanitarian actions in the most difficult and toughest regions around the globe. I admire their courage to help others in such difficult conditions.

 With which historical figure do you most identify?

I suppose that it is the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, because he was determined as I am.

 What is your fondest memory?

The birth of my 2 children

 What is your idea of a perfect day?

It’s a sunny day spent with my family by the sea or in the garden, with a nice barbecue.

 Which is your favourite restaurant and why?

My favourite restaurant is Anatewka in Łódź, because of the atmosphere, the ambiance and the quality of food. I am extremely happy that in a couple of weeks we will have the second Anatewka in Manufaktura.

 Who is your closest friend and why?

My closest friend is my wife; she is the only person with whom I can share the good and the bad moments.

 Which characteristic do you hate most in others?

It depends what kind of relations we are talking about. In general I don’t appreciate lack of sincerity and commitment.

 How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as a good and efficient professional and someone who enjoys his work.