Ryan Bordenave, Retail Attraction Specialist

Ryan Bordenave joined the staff of the Downtown Development District in January 2008 and is responsible for attracting regional and national retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues to Downtown New Orleans, and in particular to the historic retail corridor of Canal Street.  The role of the Retail Attraction Specialist was developed from the 2004 Canal Street Development Strategy.  In his time at the DDD, Ryan has worked to land businesses like IHOP Restaurant, PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, and Serenity Day Spa. 

Prior to his assignment at the DDD, Ryan worked for eight years in marketing management for General Growth Properties (GGP), which owns and manages regional and urban retail shopping centers, and also for Six Flags, Incorporated, operator of regional theme parks and attractions. 

During his time with GGP, he landed several major events for the property, including the Allstate Sugar Bowl Fan Fest, a live production of BET’s 106&Park, the Netflix Live on Location event with Golden Globe award winning actor Dennis Quaid, and the Arena Football League’s Extravaganza Concert with recording artist STYX.  

While at Six Flags, Ryan developed revenue generating partnerships and sponsorships with brands, retailers and restaurant groups like Coca Cola, McDonald’s, Hilton Hotels, Winn Dixie Supermarkets, Wendy’s Restaurants, Rite-Aid Pharmacies, Blockbuster Inc., Simon Properties, A&P Supermarkets and Yum Brands.  He also had the opportunity to produce several concerts and shows with several national recording artists.

At the start of his career, Ryan worked for a New Orleans advertising and marketing agency which held the Downtown Development District as their client.  During that stint, he was responsible for managing marketing affairs for the DDD.  He served on the first “Wednesday at the Square” concert series production committee, executed a retail sweepstakes and worked to develop the “Downtown Directory,” a comprehensive listing of retail and entertainment venues in Downtown New Orleans.  

A graduate of Brother Martin High School and the University of New Orleans, he holds a Bachelors degree in Communications and Advertising.  The New Orleans native lives in the City Park neighborhood in a 100 year old historic house that he recently renovated.