Caruso Names New Leasing Exec
Todd M. Russell, a former leasing executive for the South Coast Plaza shopping center in Costa Mesa, Calif., has been named senior vice president of leasing for Los Angeles–based Caruso Affiliated, developer of The Grove and other high-profile retail projects.
Russell will oversee leasing for Caruso’s portfolio of Southern California projects in development, valued at more than $1 billion. Among them are a retail center in Thousand Oaks; a retail center under redevelopment in Marina del Rey; Americana at Brand, a mixed-use project in Glendale; a town-center project at Playa Vista in Westchester; and racetrack, retail, entertainment and housing venues at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.
“Todd has an exceptional talent and solid relationships across a broad spectrum, from emerging retail concepts through high-end luxury brands. His extensive knowledge of the industry, coupled with his ability to cultivate new retailers, will be invaluable as our leasing program accelerates to keep pace with our development pipeline,” said Caruso Chief Executive Officer Rick J. Caruso in a statement.
Russell spent 10 years with Costa Mesa–based C.J. Segerstrom & Sons, owner of South Coast Plaza. He has more than 20 years of retail experience handling leasing, merchandising and marketing.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to be part of a successful team that is blazing new trails in the retail industry,” Russell said. “Caruso projects are widely imitated but never duplicated, as the company is consistently moving in new directions.”
Russell is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and resides in Newport Beach. He graduated from the University of Minnesota. South Coast Plaza representatives said they have yet to replace Russell. —Robert McAllister
