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Kennedy Steps Down as MMPI President

Falango Succeeds Kennedy; Maurer Promoted to COO

GDA Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 6/24/2011 10:49:17 AM

Chicago - Christopher G. Kennedy stepped down from the position of president of tradeshow and property management Chris Kennedycompany Merchandise Mart Properties (MMPI) after 25 years with the company. MMPI produces the Chicago and California Gift Shows among many others, and owns New York's permanent showroom building 7 West New York.

"I have valued every single day that I've been here and always will," Kennedy said in a statement, adding, "I am sure that many will ask why I don't stay longer, and many others will ask why I have stayed so long. Personally, I think I've got the timing just right, and I propose that I am young enough to start a new career - and old enough to know how."

Kennedy will continue in a formal consulting role with MMPI through the end of March 2012. He plans to pursue entrepreneurial business developments as well as continuing his positions on the boards of the University of Illinois, Ariel Investment Trust and Interface Floor Covering Company, and his charitable involvements with the Catholic Theological Union, the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness and The Chicago Community Trust.
Mark Falanga

Mark Falanga, a 17 year veteran of MMPI, will take over as president, effective July 23. Falanga most recently served as senior vice president, managing leasing, marketing and business development for several of MMPI's businesses, including commercial furnishings, LuxeHome, office, retail and art, plus heading up MMPI's acquisitions efforts. Falanga oversaw the development and leasing efforts of the Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center, scheduled to open in 2013. He also led the acquisition of IIDEX/NeoCon Canada and the expansion of MMPI's efforts with NeoCon East.

"Mark's leadership and experience in strategy, leasing, sales, marketing, development and acquisitions makes him the ideal next president of our organization," said Kennedy. "Mark is, by himself, a great force of intellect and drive, but he is also a great mentor, and he has attracted a tremendous team. He is well primed to thoughtfully steward the organization and support the livelihood of our customers."

In addition Myron Maurer, a 24-year vetMyron Maurereran of the company, will assume the newly created role of COO, also effective July 23. Maurer will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of MMPI's properties throughout the United States, and its consumer and trade shows throughout the U.S. and Canada. He will report to Falanga. Maurer most recently served as senior vice president. In that role, Maurer oversaw MMPI's real estate operations and capital projects, plus all of MMPI's trade show operations and has been actively involved with MMPI's developments and acquisitions. Maurer managed $200+ million in renovations at The Merchandise Mart and spearheaded over $1 billon of new construction and renovation projects.

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