Kmart Corp.
John Foster is Kmart Corp.'s new senior vice president, real estate management. Foster, a 15-year real estate veteran, joins the Troy, Mich.-based retailer from his post as vice president and general manager for Cole National Co., where he was responsible for the startup of Target Optical. In his new position, Foster is responsible for real estate, construction and design, and real estate marketing strategy.
Simon Property Group
Simon Brand Ventures, the strategic business unit of Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group, recently promoted several employees to key positions. Craig Dubitsky is the new senior vice president of venture development. Dubitsky will be responsible for creating strategic partnerships and new revenue streams, as well as bringing innovative technologies, products and services to Simon malls nationwide.
Simon also promoted Ken Volk to senior vice president of integrated field marketing. Volk will execute more than 6,000 different mall programs this year and develop the marketing teams at Simon's malls. And Cathi Weiner, former director of marketing, is the new senior vice president of partnership and marketing development.
The Irvine Co.
Christopher Auer is The Irvine Co.'s new vice president, leasing, development, centers. His responsibilities include leasing new developments for the Newport Beach, Calif.-based firm. Auer previously served as a leasing consultant for The Irvine Co., handling more than 1 million sq. ft. of GLA. Prior to joining the company, he held various positions with other industry-leading firms including Staubach Retail Services and Grubb & Ellis.
Caruso Affiliated Holdings
John Murphy is the new director of development at Los Angeles-based Caruso Affiliated Holdings. Murphy previously served as senior project integrator for Walt Disney Imagineering, where he coordinated development of multimedia attractions and restaurants for Disney's California Adventure park. Murphy began his career as an on-site project manager for the Ian Schrager Hotel Group after graduating from Columbia University.
Forest City Finance Corp.
Forest City Finance Corp. appointed Judith Wolfe president of the Cleveland-based company. Wolfe will monitor changes and trends in the real estate capital markets. She will also lead the team responsible for identifying financial sources and procuring capital for real estate projects for Forest City Commercial Group. Wolfe joined Forest City in 1996 as vice president of origination for Forest City Finance.
The corporation also promoted Steve Kurland to senior vice president of the finance group. Kurland, who joined Forest City in 1979, will maintain and expand relationships with the firm's capital sources.
Edens and Avant
Columbia, S.C.-based Edens & Avant promoted Susan Sale-Korper to vice president of corporate marketing. Sale-Korper joined Edens & Avant in 1998 as director of corporate marketing and public relations.
Federal Realty Investment Trust
Three members of the management team at Rockville, Md.-based Federal Realty Investment Trust recently received promotions. Jan Sweetnam, who joined the company in 1997 as acquisitions director, is now vice president and COO, western region. Pamela Brady, who joined the company in 1990 as a leasing associate, is now vice president, development leasing. And Kenneth Shoop, who joined the Trust in 1992 as assistant controller, is now vice president, controller.
Walker and Dunlop
Timothy Eden is the new vice president of mortgage banking for Bethesda, Md.-based Walker & Dunlop. He is responsible for debt and equity placement for income properties. Eden has 14 years of experience in the industry, most recently with Grubb & Ellis' metro Washington, D.C., branch.
CIBC World Markets
Drew Anderman is the new executive director at New York-based CIBC World Markets. Anderman will work on the origination of all types of commercial real estate products with emphasis on West Coast deals. Prior to joining CIBC, Anderman was director of mortgage originations for Deutsche Banc Mortgage Capital.
Wherehouse music
Larry Gaines is the new president and COO of Torrance, Calif.-based Wherehouse Music. Gaines previously served as executive vice president and COO for the 497-store chain. He replaces former president Hugh Hilton, who left to pursue other interests.
Insignia/ESG
New York-based Insignia/ESG has a new director of operations for its retail group. Alan Schmerzler recently assumed the title. Schmerzler will spearhead a variety of marketing programs, implement revised operating methodologies and oversee business development for the group.
Archon Group LP
Steve Lipscomb is the head of Irving, Texas-based Archon Group's newly formed Archon Retail division. Archon Retail will work to maximize opportunities for ownership and asset management in the retail real estate sector. It will focus for now on power centers, neighborhood grocery centers, specialty centers and community centers. Lipscomb previously served as managing partner of Lipscomb Development.
Grubb and Ellis
Barry Barovick is the new president and CEO of Northbrook, Ill.-based Grubb & Ellis. His most recent position with the company was partner and global director of the corporate real estate advisory services practice. Barovick has more than 27 years of industry experience, including stints as manager of business development, new services, product development and financial services at Ernst & Young and as director of the corporate geographic service group at Landauer Associates Inc.