South Coast Plaza Names Tenley Zinke Executive Director of Marketing

Zinke succeeds Debra Gunn Downing, who retires after 27 years at the helm.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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South Coast Plaza, the renowned shopping and dining destination in Costa Mesa, California, has appointed Tenley Zinke as its new executive director of marketing. Zinke succeeds Debra Gunn Downing, who is retiring midyear after a 27-year career with the company.

Why it matters

South Coast Plaza is one of the world's premier shopping destinations, known for its luxury retail and dining offerings. Zinke's appointment comes as the center approaches its 60th anniversary in 2027, signaling a new era of leadership and continued evolution for the iconic destination.

The details

Downing led South Coast Plaza's marketing strategy and built partnerships across retail, the arts, and philanthropic organizations during her tenure. Under her leadership, the center surpassed $2.5 billion in annual sales. Zinke joins South Coast Plaza with extensive experience in marketing and communications across global luxury fashion and retail, having held senior roles at Kering, LVMH, Tiffany & Co., Net-a-porter, and Ralph Lauren.

  • South Coast Plaza will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027.
  • Debra Gunn Downing will retire midyear after 27 years with the company.

The players

Tenley Zinke

The new executive director of marketing at South Coast Plaza, with experience in marketing and communications across global luxury fashion and retail.

Debra Gunn Downing

The outgoing executive director of marketing at South Coast Plaza, who is retiring midyear after a 27-year career with the company.

Henry Segerstrom

The founder of South Coast Plaza and the Segerstrom family, who have been instrumental in the center's development and legacy.

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What they’re saying

“Between South Coast Plaza's position as one of the world's premier shopping destinations and the stellar reputation of the Segerstrom family, there was no question this role presented an irresistible opportunity to forge the next chapter of my career.”

— Tenley Zinke, Executive Director of Marketing, South Coast Plaza (wwd.com)

“South Coast Plaza has been far more than a career. It has been a profound privilege spanning nearly three decades. It's been an honor to be a part of the extraordinary legacy and vision of Henry Segerstrom and the Segerstrom family while continuing to evolve South Coast Plaza into a destination that sets the standard for luxury retail.”

— Debra Gunn Downing, Outgoing Executive Director of Marketing, South Coast Plaza (wwd.com)

What’s next

South Coast Plaza will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027, marking a new era for the iconic shopping destination under Tenley Zinke's leadership.

The takeaway

Tenley Zinke's appointment as the new executive director of marketing at South Coast Plaza signals a transition of leadership at one of the world's premier luxury shopping destinations. Her experience in global luxury retail and marketing will help guide the center's continued evolution and growth as it approaches its 60th anniversary.