Taubman Centers Inc. appointed René Tremblay as president of Taubman Asia. In his new position, Tremblay will be responsible for Taubman’s operations and future expansion in the Asia Pacific region. He will be based in the company’s regional headquarters in Hong Kong.
Taubman Asia provides leasing and management services for IFC Mall in Yeouido, Seoul, South Korea. By the end of the year, the company expects to have almost 30 employees in Hong Kong and Korea.
Tremblay has more than 30 years of experience in real estate. Prior to joining Taubman, he served as executive vice president of real estate and president of the real estate group with Caisse de depot et de placement du Quebec, one of the 10 largest real estate portfolios in the world. He was also the worldwide chairman of ICSC from 2007 to 2008.
“We are thrilled to welcome René to Taubman. His extensive experience in the real estate and shopping industry, particularly his previous leadership roles in international expansion, will further enhance our efforts in Asia,” said Robert S. Taubman, chairman, president and CEO of Taubman Centers, in a statement. “We look forward to Rene bringing his expertise to build our business in Asia.”
JLL to Handle Site Selection for AMC in Western States
AMC Entertainment Inc. appointed Jones Lang LaSalle as its exclusive transaction manager in the states of California and Washington. Jones Lang LaSalle’s corporate retail solutions team will source potential sites for new AMC theater locations.
Franklin Street to Lease, Manage Select Food Lion Assets
Food Lion LLC has retained Franklin Street to handle the management, leasing and selective dispositions of its properties in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. The portfolio includes 11 Food Lion and Harveys locations. Franklin Street will be responsible for the management and leasing of nine assets. Mac McCall, Brad Sebring and John Tennant will handle this assignment.
Aronov Realty Opens Two Centers in Alabama
Aronov Realty Management Inc. opened two grocery-anchored shopping centers in Dothan, Ala. The properties include the 76,740-square-foot Westway Shopping Center and the 63,800-square-foot Cottonwood Corners Shopping Center. Both centers feature Publix Super Market as the anchor.
Gregory Vorwaller to Head Capital Markets at C&W
Cushman & Wakefield hired Gregory S. Vorwaller as global head of capital markets. He will be based in Chicago. Previously, Vorwaller served as chief operating officer of capital markets and president of the investment properties group with CB Richard Ellis.
Planet Fitness Signs Four Leases in New Jersey, Pennsylvania
Planet Fitness signed four leases in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The national health and fitness center signed a lease for a 20,000-square-foot location at York and Aramingo Streets in Philadelphia; a 19,000-square-foot lease at the Cumberland Mall in Vineland, N.J.; a 17,000-square-foot lease at Capital Plaza Shopping Center in Ewing, N.J.; and a 12,900-square-foot lease at Hunterdon Shopping Center in Flemington, N.J. Metro Commercial Real Estate Inc. negotiated all four transactions on behalf of Planet Fitness.
Bensalem’s Street Road Plaza Welcomes New Tenants
Emmes Asset Management signed leases with Dollar Tree and the Goodwill Store for space at its Street Road Plaza shopping center in Bensalem, Pa. Dollar Tree signed an 11,360-square-foot lease at the property; the Goodwill Store signed a 13,640-square-foot lease. The Dollar Tree is already operating, while Goodwill is expected to open in January 2011.
Michael Gorman, of Metro Commercial Real Estate Inc. , represented the landlord in both transactions.
Other Notable News
Cohen Financial appointed Joe E. Greenhaw, Jr. as executive vice president in its loan administration department. In his new position, Greenhaw will help lead the strategic expansion of the firm’s asset management and special servicing business. Greenhaw has more than 35 years of experience in real estate asset management. Prior to joining Cohen Financial, he worked as vice president with Prudential Asset Resources.
Mid-America Real Estate Corp. hired Bill Wright as vice president in its investment sales group. Previously, Wright served as director with InSite Real Estate. In that position, he oversaw single-tenant build-to-suit retail properties.
J. Milton & Associates opened the Towne Center Shops at St. Tropez in Miami.