Simon Harel, CEO of Ascencia: "What excites me is placemaking: the creation of lively spaces"

Simon Harel, the CEO of Ascencia, leads the largest shopping center group in Mauritius and is part of a new generation of leaders redefining the customer experience. With a vision that combines high standards, creativity, and Mauritian sensitivity, he transforms Ascencia malls into vibrant spaces for living, gathering, and experiencing emotions. His journey reflects that of a young professional who has steadily climbed the ranks through discipline, listening, and the belief that every detail matters. Today, he inspires a new generation of leaders eager to push boundaries, build sustainably, and create memorable experiences.

Three words to summarize your journey to the CEO position?

Diligence, ambition, and rigor. These three values have guided me to this point and continue to influence every step I take. However, beyond skills, the relationships and collaborations have been crucial. Doing things right with the right teams creates lasting value and a positive impact at every stage.

Is there a specific moment when you felt completely ready to become a CEO?

I don’t think there’s a precise moment when one feels fully ready to become a CEO. We adapt, learn, and move forward. My experience as an Asset Manager gave me a deep understanding of the business, processes, and teams, but every new role comes with its challenges to tackle.

What drives you in the world of shopping centers?

I am passionate about placemaking: creating lively spaces where people want to return. I love seeing visitors smile, feeling the energy of events, and welcoming new tenants. This constant dynamism is the hallmark of our malls and the reason they remain industry leaders. It’s a world of perpetual motion that requires reinvention while maintaining a profoundly human aspect.

How do you reinvent a mall in a country where shopping has become a true social experience?

Reinventing a mall is no longer just about offering stores. It’s about designing spaces for meeting, sharing, and connection. The challenge is to create responsible and sustainable spaces that give meaning to each visit. This involves more art, culture, and events that celebrate Mauritian identity and diversity. Our centers also serve as platforms for social initiatives, like the Jazz Festival with Mo’Zar in April. The goal is simple: to provide places that combine sustainability, social experience, and cultural impact.

Which Ascencia mall symbolizes a significant milestone in your career?

Phoenix Mall. That’s where it all began for me, in a particularly complex context: Covid-19, difficult access, general uncertainty. Strategic decisions had to be made quickly, particularly connecting with the metro station, turning challenges into opportunities. Today, the mall’s success proves that the right decisions made at the right time can change everything. This experience shaped my leadership style and ability to deliver tangible results.

What has been your greatest motivation for climbing the ranks so quickly?

I am always learning. My greatest motivation is the desire to use the influence and responsibilities of my role to do good around me: to create a positive impact for the community, protect our environment, and empower our teams to grow. This ambition to make a meaningful, sustainable impact drives me forward every day.