As part of the recognition of the 10 Most Influential Retail Leaders in Colombia 2025, awarded by Mall & Retail, the sector is focusing on a crucial but often overlooked role: the boards of directors of shopping centers. From this strategic position, Miguel Ángel Pardo has established himself as one of the most influential figures in the industry, distinguished by his leadership that promotes competitiveness, transparency, and sustainability in the country’s retail sector.
In an environment where corporate governance has become a key enabler of value creation, well-structured boards of directors make all the difference. These bodies not only strengthen accountability and the trust of owners and investors but also guarantee a long-term vision for shopping centers. In this context, Miguel Ángel Pardo’s career is particularly relevant: he currently serves on 12 boards of directors, positioning himself as one of the leaders with the greatest cross-cutting impact in the sector.
With over 30 years of experience in the development of retail stores and shopping centers, Pardo began his career in the retail sector in 1994. His deep understanding of the business has led him to play a decisive role on the boards of directors of some of the country’s most prominent malls, including Titán Plaza, Plaza de las Américas, Gran Estación, Salitre Plaza, Plaza Imperial, Paseo Villa del Río, Centro Comercial Tunal, Galerías, and Unisur in Bogotá; as well as La Estación Ibagué, Santa Lucía in Neiva, and La Quinta in Bucaramanga.
Those who have worked with him highlight his critical thinking, his ability to make decisions under pressure, and his strong proactivity. These strengths are complemented by leadership focused on strategic execution and the development of new projects—essential qualities at a time when shopping centers have evolved from transactional spaces into true ecosystems that integrate experience, community, entertainment, and technology.
For Miguel Ángel Pardo, one of the sector’s historical mistakes has been underestimating the strategic role of boards of directors. Beyond their supervisory role, these bodies define the direction, vision, and strategic framework that management implements. In an increasingly demanding retail environment, focusing solely on occupancy and immediate profitability is insufficient. Understanding the consumer, adopting new technologies, innovating in formats, and developing resilience in the face of global changes have become essential.
In this regard, Pardo emphasizes the importance of having boards of directors open to continuous learning and connected to the international environment. Participation in trade shows, dialogue with experts, exploration of hybrid models, and analysis of new metrics transform the board into a strategic ally for the manager. “A board that doesn’t stay updated becomes a hindrance; one that questions, learns, and proposes, becomes a catalyst for innovation,” is one of the premises that define his vision.
From a leadership position that often operates behind the scenes, Miguel Ángel Pardo has made a decisive contribution to strengthening the present and future of shopping centers in Colombia. For this reason, Mall & Retail recognizes him as one of the most influential leaders in the industry in 2025, highlighting his strategic contribution to the evolution of national retail.
Fuente: Miguel Pardo. El liderazgo estratégico que transforma los centros comerciales desde las juntas directivas.
https://lanotaeconomica.com.co/movidas-empresarial/miguel-angel-pardo-el-liderazgo-estrategico-que-transforma-los-centros-comerciales-desde-las-juntas-directivas/