Tower Talk: Reflections of a General Manager
Following our recent celebration of Malcolm Nixon on his retirement and our welcoming of Cesar Ramirez into the Head of Partnerships role, International Towers General Manager, Rob l’Anson, reflects on the people, places and principles that have shaped the precinct, and looks to the future ahead.
The people behind the precinct
When Rob first joined International Towers as CEO three years ago, he knew he was stepping in to look after an exceptional precinct. What he didn’t appreciate was the extraordinary depth of the community, or the talents and the passion of the people who helped create it.
“I knew the towers were great assets and I was really excited about coming to manage them,” Rob says. “But I didn’t understand the extent of the detail and design, or the number of individuals who have contributed so much across the precinct. There are so many layers to what the place has to offer, and so many people to thank for it.”
Like working in the CBD, but not
“You’re working in the CBD, but you don’t always feel like you’re in the CBD,” Rob explains. “You’re right nearby Wynyard Station, the ferry and metro connections, yet there’s the reserve, the waterfront and all the excellent wellness and lifestyle amenity around you. You can exercise in the gym, relax, enjoy fine dining, have a casual lunch or grab something from the canteen, and you can come and go with ease using the recently upgraded end-of-trip facilities.
“You have the convenience and energy of the city, but also space to take a breath and be good to yourself.”
A tribute to Malcolm Nixon
For Rob, Malcolm’s retirement represents an important moment of transition and look to the future, but he says it’s impossible to discuss what’s next without acknowledging the person who helped define the Head of Partnerships role.
“Malcolm strives for perfection from himself,” Rob says with a smile. “And through his drive, passion and dedication, he embedded perfection into the role as well.”
Rob says Malcolm’s commitment was visible in the largest events and the smallest details, as he recalls a home furnishings installation by our charity partner, ReLove. After helping prepare the display, Malcolm went upstairs to the office, got a steam press and returned to make sure the linen on the featured bed looked exactly right.
“It was late on a Friday afternoon, when we normally have team drinks, but Malcolm stayed into the early evening to make sure the installation presented as perfectly as it could be. That was Malcolm, on every event and community engagement. His innate knowledge of the precinct, together with his relationships with Tenant Partners, suppliers and stakeholders, created a role which has become an essential part of what makes International Towers tick.”
Welcoming Cesar Ramirez
In a poetic twist to this transition, it was Malcolm who introduced Cesar Ramirez to Rob and the team as his potential successor in the Head of Partnerships role.
“Malcolm came to Kim Dawson, our fund manager, and me and said, ‘I think we’ve found our replacement,’” Rob recalls. “So we met with Cesar and there was an immediate connection, we saw the passion, drive and enthusiasm needed to take this role into the future.”
Cesar also brought a personal connection to the precinct. Before establishing his own hospitality and events business, he had worked with a Tenant Partner and had watched Barangaroo develop from the early construction phase.
“He has that affinity with the precinct, it’s people, and a genuine admiration for what has been created here,” Rob says. “He’s really excited to be part of it again, he has a personal love for the place, and we’re over the moon to have him on board. We’re already receiving very positive feedback on how Cesar goes about things,” adds Rob with another smile. “Our expectations have already been exceeded.”
A culture people can feel
Rob believes the strength of International Towers lies in the culture created by the people who work here.
“It’s palpable,” he says. “At every level, relationships are strong. We come together as a community, we have fun and enjoy each other’s company. There are no egos, it’s just good people enjoying being together.”
Rob recalls receiving a message from a Tenant Partner who was moving on recently, expressing gratitude for the relationships they had formed at International Towers.
“They spoke about the things we had done together through work, and the fun times, the anniversary celebrations, Tenant Partner events and Christmas activities. The feedback was a perfect example of why the International Towers team love coming to work every day so much.”
Exceptional experiences, empowered team
One of the things Rob’s most proud of is the people in the International Towers team.
“For me, the biggest thing is the people,” he says. “They’re amazing. They deserve to be empowered and recognised for their relentless excellence. And I love their ideas. That doesn’t mean we always agree, but we always work incredibly well together as a collective. I rely on the expertise of these wonderful people around me.”
Many of the International Towers staff have been on the team for years, a longevity that Rob credits to the strength of the workplace culture and wellbeing best practice.
“From modern flexible working practices to our friendly Friday afternoon gatherings, it’s a pretty special place to work.”
Recent achievements & future ambitions
When asked about recent flagship enhancements to the International Towers experience, Rob points to the major upgrade of the end-of-trip facilities and our amazing third party spaces created on Level 2 of Tower 3.
“Electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the car park. Revamped facilities including private all-inclusive shower suites. Accessible enhancements. A stretching area. Significantly increased locker capacity and bike parking. We’ve completely re-designed it,” says Rob. “Of
course, it’s still a huge benefit for people who cycle, run or exercise before work, during lunch or after work, but the offering goes well beyond that now. You might be going out in the evening or on the weekend and need somewhere to shower and change, the upgraded end-of-trip facility is here for you and perfect for all that.”
When it comes to the future for International Towers, it’s all about ongoing improvement to our Tenant Partner experience at every level, such as community inclusion and engagement, operational excellence, financial data integrity, social impact, sustainability and governance.
“Sustainability is ingrained in everything we do,” Rob says. “The important thing is not just to maintain what has been achieved here, but to work together to ensure we keep moving forwards. As new technologies emerge, our focus will be on understanding which opportunities can be adopted in a practical and financially sustainable way. Where can we improve, how can we do it, and how quickly can we adopt it?”
Rob says that commercial and community goals have always been very closely aligned and embedded in the International Towers culture.
“We’re all here to do good business. But the way we succeed is through commitment to community, to social impact, and sustainability.”
“We’ll be working hard to continue our legacy of evolution,” Rob concludes. “Embracing sustainable technology, enhancing precinct facilities, and making sure we stay equipped to keep delivering exquisite experiences for our incredible Tenant Partners as we journey together into a fast-moving future.”