Simon Appoints New General Manager to Menlo Park Mall

Simon, a leading global retail real estate company, recently appointed Gilbert Bankston to the position of General Manager at Menlo Park Mall in Edison, New Jersey.

Bankston will utilize his 10-plus years in asset management and retail real estate expertise to oversee Menlo Park Mall’s operations, local leasing, security, marketing and budget functions. As part of his new role, Bankston will also be responsible for forging mutually beneficial partnerships with the Edison-area business community as well as maintain positive retailer to landlord relations in an effort to further advance the initiatives of the center.

A native of Warwick, NY, Bankston brings a wealth of experience to his new assignment, having held positions at several shopping centers along the east coast, including properties in New Jersey and Florida. Most recently, Bankston served as General Manager at a mall in Wayne, NJ. Bankston’s introduction into mall management started as an operations manager for several properties in and around the New England market.

“We are pleased to welcome Gil to the Northeast Region and into this new position at Menlo Park Mall,” said Robert T. Guerra, regional vice president for Simon’s Northeast region. “I look forward to the contributions he will make in his new role to further the success at this world class premier property.”

Bankston earned a Certified Shopping Center Manager “CSM” designation through the International Council of Shopping Centers in 2014. He remains an active member of that organization as well as with the Institute of Real Estate Management and the U.S Green Building Association. Bankston holds a Communications Degree from Ramapo College of NJ.

“I am excited for this new opportunity to lead the management team at Menlo Park Mall, one of the premier shopping centers in New Jersey,” commented Bankston. “I look forward to building on the past success the property has already achieved.”