MMPI, which manages properties and trade shows including NeoCon, announced today that Mark Falanga, a 17-year veteran of the organization and accomplished industry leader, has been named president effective July 23. Falanga succeeds Christopher Kennedy, who has served as president since 2000 and recently announced his departure from the organization to focus on civic and philanthropic endeavors.

“We are fortunate to have such a deep and tenured management team at the helm of MMPI’s businesses, and 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 who depend on our expertise to create dynamic marketplaces every day throughout the U.S. and Canada.”

“I am honored to step into the role of president of MMPI, following in the bold path forged by Chris and other legends of commerce and real estate over the past seven decades,” Falanga added. “We have the industry’s most respected and experienced team managing our portfolio of nine million sq. ft. of real estate and more than 85 industry trade and consumer shows and events spanning more than a dozen North American and European cities, and we continue to aggressively build new ways to bring buyers and sellers together.”

Falanga most recently served as svp, managing leasing, marketing and business development for several of MMPI’s key businesses, including commercial furnishings, LuxeHome, office, retail and art, in addition to heading up MMPI’s acquisitions efforts. Falanga has overseen the $465 million development and leasing efforts of the Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center, scheduled to open in 2013.  

He has been part of every NeoCon, MMPI’s flagship trade show, since introducing temporary space at The Merchandise Mart in 1996, a decision which fueled the show’s renaissance, according to the company. He led the acquisition of IIDEX/NeoCon Canada and the expansion of MMPI’s efforts with NeoCon East. He is also responsible for MMPI’s art fairs run in New York, Chicago, Toronto, Basel, Switzerland and, for the first time this year, Los Angeles.

In a related announcement, MMPI has named Myron Maurer, a 24-year veteran of the company, as chief operating officer, also effective July 23. In this newly created position, 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 Mark Falanga.

“Myron has been involved in almost every aspect of MMPI’s business for the last 24 years and has proven to be a great leader,” said Kennedy. “Myron’s incredibly strong, long-standing relationships across the MMPI team and with our customers, and his sharp business acumen are invaluable assets to the company. Together with Mark Falanga, Myron will ensure that MMPI continues to be the leader in property and trade show management, while fostering the best-in-class management and expertise our customers expect and deserve.”  

Maurer has been with MMPI since 1987, most recently as svp. In that role, Maurer oversaw MMPI’s real estate operations and capital projects which include buildings located in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. He also oversaw all of MMPI’s trade show operations and has been actively involved with MMPI’s developments and acquisitions. Throughout his career with MMPI, Maurer has managed $200+ million in renovations at The Merchandise Mart and spearheaded over $1 billon of new construction and renovation projects, including the construction of the Shops at the Mart, the redevelopment of the L.A. Mart and 350 West Mart Center, and the $465 million development of the Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center.

“I am honored to serve as chief operating officer for MMPI, and I look forward to working even more closely with Mark to lead the company into the future,” said Maurer. “I have had the opportunity to learn from the best while working with Chris Kennedy, and I am thankful for his dedication and leadership throughout the last 25 years.”