When Reeta started as the Centre Manager of Koskikeskus seven years ago, she knew she was stepping into a role where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. Her years of experience in retail management made the role at Citycon a unique chance to collaborate closely with her team to develop a centre, a place where people meet, spend time and feel welcome.
It was the summer of 2018 when a former colleague recommended her an opportunity at Citycon that seemed like a perfect fit. Reeta remembers smiling now she told her friends, before even job interview, that she would be changing job that autumn. “I trusted that this was the right position for me,” she laughs.
Before joining Citycon, Reeta had spent 12 years in various management positions in retail, first as a Store Manager and later as a Regional Manager. Constant travelling and observing the daily operations of multiple centres sparked a desire to settle in one location and lead her own team more closely. In her earlier positions, she saw shopping centres from the tenants’ perspective, but now she gets to represent the centre itself and influences the bigger picture. Moving to Citycon felt like a natural next step.
As a Centre Manager, Reeta’s responsibility is to ensure Koskikeskus runs smoothly every day. This involves close cooperation with tenants and her own team, developing the customer experience, planning events and campaigns, and overseeing safety and daily operations. “The work is fast‑paced, situations change quickly, and that’s when quick reactions and a solution-oriented mindset really matter‑,” Reeta explains. Time management has become one of the most valuable skills of her career and is now the cornerstone of how she works: a well-structured calendar keeps everything in balance, even when unexpected turns arise.
The Centre Manager role offers the chance to dive into a wide range of projects and development initiatives. For Reeta, the most rewarding moments are when she sees her team grow and succeed together. One memory stands out clearly: bringing the youth space Kolo into Koskikeskus. “That felt special because it is the only youth space of its kind in Tampere city centre. Opening it was a concrete example of how a centre can serve the community and provide a safe, meaningful space for young people,” she recalls.
People are at the core of Reeta’s work, and her greatest source of energy. “I’ve always had incredibly great colleagues, and at Citycon the level of expertise is just outstanding.” Throughout her career, she has had talented leaders who have given her room to grow while offering support whenever needed. Her team members and colleagues also impress her daily: collaboration is visible in everyday work and creates a strong, positive atmosphere across the organisation. Even though the Tampere centre is geographically further from the capital region, the sense of distance is minimal. “You can always ask anyone for help, and the collaboration between colleagues is the glue that brings us together and makes success possible,” Reeta says with a smile.
For future talent considering Citycon, Reeta has a clear and encouraging message: “Be curious, be yourself and be ready to learn.” In the Centre Manager role, the best ideas often come from working together, and every day brings an opportunity to grow. The ability to respond quickly and be able to set priorities are skills that develop over time. “At Citycon, the best part is the people. It is a privilege to work with this team,” Reeta concludes.
Finlad, Tampere
