March 13, 2025
Rising through the ranks: Iris Velo’s unstoppable journey

This publication is part of BALFIN Group’s Success Stories, a series of interviews with standout employees.

Describe your professional journey at BALFIN Group.

My professional journey at BALFIN Group began in 2016 when I joined Mane TCI as part of the Procurement and Purchasing Department. This role provided me with valuable hands-on experience, where I learned to manage supplier relationships effectively and optimize costs. Afterward, I transitioned to the position of Leasing Manager at ACREM Management Company. This new role allowed me to further develop my skills, focusing on leasing portfolio management and asset optimization. This shift was a significant turning point in my career, giving me a well-rounded skill set that span both procurement and asset management.

Iris, take us behind the scenes of your journey at BALFIN Group. What’s the story of how you came on board and what’s kept you excited to stay?

I joined BALFIN Group because I wanted to be part of a dynamic company where I could grow and contribute to something meaningful. From the start, I was surrounded by passionate, driven colleagues who made every challenge feel like a shared mission. What keeps me excited is the energy of the people I work with and the constant flow of new opportunities, there’s always something new to learn, achieve, and experience.

Was there a moment, big or small, when you looked around and thought, “I absolutely made the right choice joining BALFIN Group”? What was that defining moment like for you?

One defining moment was when I was given a chance to take on a completely new challenge. Instead of sticking to my comfort zone, I was trusted to step up and contribute in a bigger way. The moment I knew I’d made the right decision was when I transitioned from procurement to Leasing management at ACREM. BALFIN Group’s focus on employee growth and internal mobility is something I truly value, and it was clear that my skills and contributions were being recognized.

What’s your proudest achievement here at BALFIN Group? The one moment or accomplishment that you can’t help but brag about.

One of my proudest achievements was successfully leading a project that brought real value to the company, such as QTU Extension, TEG Extension and finalizing the Leasing strategy for Galeria by TEG. Seeing the direct impact of my work and how it contributed to something bigger than myself was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced the idea that what we do here matters, not just for the company, but for the people we work with and the future we’re shaping.

We’ve all had that ‘only-at-this-company’s moment. What’s the one experience at BALFIN Group that’s unforgettable and could only happen here?

I’m particularly proud of successfully managing a large portfolio of leases and securing several long-term agreements that had a significant positive impact on the company’s revenue stream.

One of the most memorable moments I’ve had at BALFIN Group was leading the process of bringing two major entertainment zones to TEG and QTU recently. It was a challenging but exciting project that involved working closely with different teams to create a great experience for visitors. Seeing these spaces come to life and people enjoying them was an incredible feeling. It made me proud to be part of a company that brings innovation and new experiences to the retail and entertainment sectors, something that could only happen here.

Describe the best day you’ve had at work.

The best day I’ve had at work was when I finalized a major leasing deal after months of negotiations with an international brand. It was a challenging process, but seeing it come to fruition and knowing that my efforts contributed to the company’s success was incredibly rewarding. It was a day that reinforced why I’m passionate about what I do.

If you had to share one message with everyone reading this about your time at BALFIN Group, what would it be?

BALFIN Group is a place where innovation meets people. It’s where vision turns into action, where challenges become opportunities, and where growth is not just encouraged but expected. But most importantly, it’s a place where the people around you inspire you to be better every day. If you’re looking to shape the future, make an impact, and grow alongside incredible minds, this is the place to be.