John Klein - Principal

A proven real estate developer and manager with more than 25 years of experience, John Klein serves as Principal of International Outlet Consultants where he provides expertise to firms interested in developing and managing profitable outlet shopping centers in major international markets.

Most recently Klein was Chief Executive Officer of the Premium Outlet division of Simon Property Group, the largest and most successful portfolio of outlet center properties in the world. During his tenure as CEO he was responsible for the successful growth of the division leading all facets of the business including leasing, development, real estate, marketing, finance and operations. 

On the international front, Klein served as a member of the Premium Outlets Board of Directors in international markets including Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Canada and Mexico. Here he helped to create and successfully manage partnerships with global firms including Mitsubishi Estate Co., Shinsegae Co., Genting Group, Calloway Real Estate Investment Trust, and Sordo Madaleno & Associates. The company’s international portfolio of 15 properties in five countries includes market dominant centers such as Gotemba Premium Outlets (Tokyo), Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets (Kobe), Yeoju Premium Outlets (Seoul), Toronto Premium Outlets, Punta Norte Premium Outlets (Mexico City) and Johor Premium Outlets (Singapore). Under his leadership market investigations were also performed for investments in China and Brazil.

Domestically Klein was responsible for a portfolio of 81 outlet center properties, containing 33 million square feet in six countries. Under his leadership Premium Outlets' profits more than doubled. During his 19 years at the firm his involvement in the development, expansion and management of the country’s most visited outlet centers, including notable properties such as Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, Desert Hills Premium Outlets, Orlando Premium Outlets and Las Vegas Premium Outlets, drove Premium Outlets to new heights.  

Along with developing long-term relationships with world class retailers, designers and top name brands such as Ralph Lauren, Coach, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Nike, Under Armour, Gucci and Hugo Boss, among others throughout his career, Klein lead the addition of upscale designer brands to the Premium Outlets’ portfolio including Tom Ford, Canali, Alfred Dunhill, Brioni, lululemon, Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen.

Prior to joining Premium Outlets, Klein served as Vice President of Prime Retail where he was involved in the acquisition and development of over two million square feet of outlet shopping centers. Earlier in his career he held various positions with increasing responsibility at regionally-based U.S. developers specializing in all property types with emphasis on regional malls & office buildings.

Klein’s notable career achievements include:

  • The development of over 30 outlet centers worldwide containing over ten million square feet. In 2013 a total of five new outlet centers celebrated grand openings in four countries.

  • The acquisition of the Prime Outlets portfolio in 2010 for $2.3 billion; 21 outlet centers containing 7.5 million square feet.

  • Sales productivity growth of the company’s U.S. portfolio to the highest in the industry including ownership of the top ten most productive outlet centers.

  • Successfully acquired 24 U.S. outlet centers including Silver Sands (FL), Las Americas (CA), Woodburn (OR), Las Vegas South (NV), Crossings (PA), and Livermore (CA).

  • Recipient of numerous design, marketing and grand opening retail and real estate industry awards.

A longtime member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Klein also proudly served on the United States Travel & Tourism Advisory Board of the US Department of Commerce where he was integral in the group’s efforts to reduce the issuance time of tourist visas. Additional board memberships include a N.J. based charitable organization, Lunch Break, whose mission is to alleviate hunger and lead clients to self sufficiency.

Klein earned his Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University and Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University.