By Allen Kenney

Commercial real estate pioneer Martin S. Kimmel, co-founder of Kimco Realty Corporation, died in New York April 15 at the age of 92.

Kimmel and close friend Milton Cooper, the company’s current chairman and CEO, founded Kimco in 1960 with nothing but a couple of shops in Miami in their portfolio and a handshake agreement. They maintained their informal business partnership until the company went public 30 years later. Today, the company owns almost 2,000 retail properties around the world.

“The board of directors, officers and all associates of Kimco Realty mourn the loss of Martin S. Kimmel, our chairman emeritus and co-founder,” Cooper said. “Marty had been a guiding force in Kimco’s success. His historical perspective and knowledge was a treasure trove for Kimco. He was admired, respected and held in great esteem and affection by everyone at Kimco.”

Kimmel was born in New York in 1916. He attended Syracuse University prior to joining the Army, where he served in the Pacific theater during World War II.

Upon returning home for the war, Kimmel eventually started his own residential construction company, building apartments and townhouses in the Long Island area of New York. Years later, Kimmel and Cooper created Kimco, hoping to capitalize on Florida’s emergence as a sanctuary for retirees.

After retiring in 1991, Kimmel dedicated himself to philanthropy, providing funding for science and health research initiatives. These included the Helen and Martin Kimmel Center for Stem Cell Biology at New York University and large contributions to the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel.

Apartment Investment and Management Company (NYSE: AIV) named Paul J. McAuliffe its executive vice president–capital markets. Previously, McAuliffe was senior managing director of Secured Capital Corporation.

Associated Estates Realty Corporation (NYSE: AEC) named Kimberly Kanary vice president of corporate communications.

BRE Properties Inc. (NYSE: BRE) named Henry L. Hirvela as its new chief financial officer. Previously, Hirvela served as CFO of VistaCare, Inc., a publicly owned health services company.

Camden Property Trust (NYSE: CPT) announced several promotions: Malcolm Stewart was named chief operating officer; Steve Hefner was promoted to senior vice president—construction; Bill Sengelmann was named senior vice president—real estate investments; Cindy Scharringhausen was named senior vice president—human resources; Jean Hording was promoted to vice president—acquisitions and dispositions; Sarah Barletta was named vice president—employee benefits; Ross Wehman was named vice president—tax; and Amy Rushing was promoted to regional vice president—Houston Region.

Cohen & Steers, Inc. appointed Stephen M. Coyle as senior vice president and portfolio manager. He will lead a team managing a private global real estate fund of funds.

Portfolio manager Jeff Randall will be joining Dividend Capital Investments’ (NYSE: DCI) investments committee. He is replacing Charles Song.

Ernst & Young appointed Michael Lucki to lead the firm’s global infrastructure services. He will retain his position as leader of the firm’s construction services team.

Grubb & Ellis Alesco Global Advisors has named David Benz as portfolio manager. Previously, he was a portfolio manager at Phelan Capital, a hedge fund.

Inland Real Estate Corporation (NYSE: IRC) named Thomas P. D’Arcy as board chairman. D’Arcy replaces Daniel L. Goodwin, who will continue to serve as director of the company. Additionally, the company named Mark E. Zalatoris as president and CEO.

Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. (NYSE: NHP) named William M. Wagner vice president and controller. Previously, he was senior vice president and chief accounting officer for Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc (NYSE: SHO).

Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. (NYSE: PLC) promoted Daniel Manning to controller.

ProLogis, Inc. (NYSE: PLD) appointed Diane S. Paddison as executive director of global operations. Formally, Paddison served as president of client accounts, global corporate services for CB Richard Ellis. She will succeed Walter C. Rakowich as president and chief operating officer in 2009.

Regency Centers (NYSE: REC) appointed Rich Sutphin to vice president, regional officer. He was formerly the senior leasing agent for the company.