One Team,
Better Together.
Our success isn't driven by square footage, it’s driven by the dedicated, talented, and collaborative people who bring our properties to life every single day.
Meet our Team.
From asset managers and leasing executives to on-site centre managers and marketing specialists, our multidisciplinary team works as one. We combine local market insight with corporate strength to deliver exceptional results for our retailers and investors.
Board Members
With more than 38 years of experience overseeing Shopping Centre Management, Operations, Leasing, Investment Sales and Marketing, Steven Bridges established Retail First in 2003 after serving as Queensland Manager at Savills and Joint Managing Director at Byvan.
Steven has contributed significantly to Australia's property industry as a National Committee Member of the Shopping Centre Council of Australia, Queensland Chairman of the Australian Council of Shopping Centres and Executive Committee Member of the Property Council of Australia.
Steven's decades of experience have shaped countless shopping centres across Queensland, where he has built his career. His deep understanding of local properties and industry issues has made him a trusted adviser to institutional and private shopping centre owners. Driven by a passion for retail, he has inspired, empowered and mentored a generation of talented professionals across Queensland's ever-evolving shopping centre industry.
In 2012, Steven received the Property Council of Australia's President's Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the retail property sector.
Michael has been a Director of Retail First since 2008 and has more than 30 years of experience in the Leasing, Management and Development of retail property.
After successfully leasing specialty shops across the portfolio, Michael moved into development, where he has delivered new and expanded major tenant projects. Michael is responsible for all major lease negotiations and works closely with the landlord and these tenants to deliver projects that have improved the assets as a result of investment from all stakeholders.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Property Economics from Queensland University of Technology and a Real Estate Manager's Licence.
Kathryn leads the Property Accounting, Corporate Accounting, Payroll, Business Systems Automation and IT functions.
Since joining in 2015, Kathryn has overseen major acquisition transactions, led innovative business automation initiatives which have delivered stronger internal controls, greater efficiency, cost savings and accuracy across the portfolio.
Kathryn holds Master’s degrees in Applied Finance and Accounting from Queensland University of Technology, a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Accounting from Monash University and is a Chartered Accountant with CPA Australia.
Rebecca was appointed a Director of Retail First in 2023, following her role as General Manager of the YFG Portfolio.
With more than 25 years of experience in the retail property industry, Rebecca has expertise across Shopping Centre Management, Leasing, Development, Asset Management and Valuation. Her career spans both the private and public property sectors, with previous roles at Herron Todd White, Byvan, FPD Savills and QPM.
Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Property Economics, is a member of the Australian Property Institute, holds a Real Estate Agent's Licence and has completed the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) Director Program. She is an active contributor to the property industry, serving on the Property Council of Australia Retail Committee and participating in Brisbane City Council advisory groups.
Trent was appointed a Director of Retail First in 2023, following his role as General Manager of the YFG Portfolio.
With almost 30 years of experience in the retail property industry, Trent has extensive expertise across Leasing, Development, Asset Management and Operations. Throughout his career, he has played a leading role in the strategic repositioning, redevelopment and performance optimisation of major shopping centre assets, delivering long-term value for YFG. Prior to joining Retail First, Trent held senior management positions with Byvan/FPD Savills.
Trent holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University, a Real Estate Agent's Licence, a Diploma of Shopping Centre Management from the Property Council of Australia and an AIM Director Certificate. He is also a respected industry contributor, regularly serving as a judge for the Property Council of Australia's Shopping Centre Awards.
John has dedicated over 16 years of his career to Retail First, embarking as the Development Manager responsible for successfully delivering Development Projects valued of over $250 million across the Portfolio. He then transitioned into the role of General Manager of the Trondage portfolio and has since been appointed a Director at Retail First.
John’s professional journey encompasses extensive involvement in both the Property and Retail Sectors. His previous roles include serving as National Property Manager for Domino’s Pizza Australia, assuming the role of Managing Director at Eyewear Now, acting as the Centre Manager for Super Regional Shopping Centres located in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and managing the shopping centre portfolio for ING across Australia and New Zealand.
John holds a Real Estate Agent's Licence, further fortified by a considerable wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience within the Retail First team.
Head of Departments
Mark is a Chartered Accountant with 15 years of experience in Management and Statutory Reporting, Process Improvement, Project Delivery and Change Management.
Before joining Retail First, Mark was an Associate Director at CBRE and delivered key MRI Property System projects for Brisbane Airport Corporation, McConaghy Shopping Centres and Quanta Investment Funds.
Bernie is Head of Operations at Retail First and has been with the company since 1997. He is responsible for leading operational performance across the Retail First portfolio, encompassing Facilities Management, Procurement, Capital Expenditure Planning, Sustainability Initiatives, Legislative Compliance and the company's insurance program.
With almost three decades of industry experience, Bernie works closely with owners, consultants and contractors to develop long-term asset strategies, manage operational risk and deliver value through strategic capital investment. He has also been instrumental in managing the company's energy needs, implementing solar and other sustainability initiatives that have enhanced portfolio performance while reducing operating costs. As leader of the Operations team, Bernie is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
With almost 30 years' experience in retail and property marketing, Bec leads the development and delivery of marketing strategy across the Retail First portfolio, overseeing a multi-award winning marketing team. Bec has been a regular presenter for the Property Council of Australia's Shopping Centre Management course, an industry awards judge both in Queensland and internationally, and leads Retail First's community and charitable partnerships. Her career has included marketing roles with Retail First, Byvan/FPD Savills, Westfield, QIC, and Mars Corporation. She holds a Bachelor's degree majoring in Economics and Mandarin.
With more than 23 years' experience in shopping centre marketing, including 19 years with Retail First, Tanya leads the organisation's digital marketing strategy and AI transformation across the Retail First portfolio.
Passionate about combining data, technology and innovation, Tanya drives digital performance, website strategy, analytics and AI initiatives that help centre teams work more strategically and efficiently. She is committed to delivering measurable outcomes while embedding future ready technologies that strengthen Retail First's capabilities and support long-term business growth.
Elizabeth has more than 25 years of experience across design, property development and property management in the residential, retail and hospitality sectors. After beginning her career with Mirvac, she joined Retail First in 2010 and now leads development across the portfolio.
Elizabeth holds a Graduate Diploma in Property Economics (Development) from Queensland University of Technology and an Associate Diploma of Arts in Interior Design from Griffith University.
Paul has more than 30 years of experience in the IT industry and is responsible for overseeing Retail First's information systems, including IT Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Systems Maintenance, and Technology Procurement.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from the University of Queensland, along with a range of industry certifications.
Leasing
With more than 25 years of experience in the retail property industry, Glenn oversees leasing, strategic planning and contract negotiations for the Retail First Trondage Portfolio.
Previously with Byvan/FPD Savills and Colliers International, Glenn has held Centre Manager and Portfolio Leasing Manager roles, with experience across Centre Management, Leasing, Facilities Management and Marketing.
Andrew has built more than 15 years of experience in the retail property industry and oversees leasing and strategic planning for the Retail First Trondage Portfolio.
Andrew has held Lease Administration, Property Management and Leasing roles with Flight Centre, NAI Harcourts and Colliers International, representing superannuation funds, REITs, private investors and property developers.
With over 22 years of Retail Leasing experience, Nathan has learnt that if you want to be a successful Retail Leasing Executive, you need to have a thorough understanding of retail property, market trends, consumer behaviour and the evolving needs of retailers. This can only be achieved by developing and implementing leasing strategies aligned with the owners' objectives and identifying and attracting suitable retailers that add value and complement the existing tenancy mix.
Nathan is responsible for all new leasing requirements across six shopping centres within the Retail First YFG Portfolio. Ultimately, Nathan's focus is on creating successful retail environments where retailers thrive, customers enjoy engaging shopping experiences and shopping centre owners achieve strong, sustainable investment performance.
Peter has more than 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, spanning Leasing, Development and Property Management. Having held leadership roles within the property divisions of major ASX-listed retailers, property REITs and leading real estate agencies, he brings a balanced and strategic perspective to leasing and asset management. As Leasing Executive for Strathpine Centre, Peter is responsible for the centre’s strategic leasing initiatives and long-term planning, driving value and enhancing the retail mix.
Kyle brings more than 20 years of Retail and Commercial Leasing experience and oversees leasing, strategic planning and contract negotiations for Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre.
Kyle has held Buying, Project Management, Leasing and Retail Management roles with major retailers and property companies, including Big W, Nuance Global Traders, IKEA and Gloria Jean's.
Twaanie is a Retail Leasing specialist with more than 25 years' experience in the shopping centre and retail property industry.
With an extensive network of retailer relationships and a collaborative approach, Twaanie is known for identifying opportunities, negotiating successful leasing outcomes and creating retail environments that benefit both landlords and retailers. Backed by a strong commercial asset management background, Twaanie delivers strategies that strengthen retail mix, improve occupancy and drive sustainable income growth.
Specialising in Retail Leasing, Shanna has more than 10 years of experience with Retail First and more than 20 years of experience in total across Retail and Commercial Leasing with agencies such as Ray White, Knight Frank and McGrath.
Shanna negotiates national and independent lease deals, with a strategic focus on enhancing and driving asset performance while delivering positive outcomes for landlords and retailers. Shanna has extensive experience in shopping centre redevelopments, new deals and tenant renewals.
Pop Up First
With more than three decades of experience in the shopping centre industry, Le-Anne leads the POP UP First division across the Retail First portfolio and has successfully expanded revenue-generating platforms across the portfolio, attracting a diverse range of POP UP clients, digital media and supplementary income streams. Her passion for creating partnerships, opportunities and connecting businesses continues to grow and delivers value for both clients and shopping centre owners.