John Ahle Jr., has been named the new general manager of Franklin Mills.
On Dec. 11, the sprawling outlet mall and entertainment destination in Parkwood announced Ahle’s appointment. He succeeds Northeast native and George Washington High School alumnus Joe Binder. The mall or its parent company, Simon Property Group, did not disclose Binder’s status with the company.
Simon, the nation’s largest real estate investment trust, owns the mall and manages it through a subsidiary known as The Mills.
Ahle, 53, has more than 25 years experience in retail and commercial real estate management, the company said in a written statement.
“John will be a great asset to Franklin Mills as we enhance the shopping experience at this leading retail destination,” said Paul Fickinger, executive vice president of property management for The Mills, which operates similar properties in the Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Nashville, Washington, D.C., and Miami/Ft. Lauderdale areas. “His management experience, industry knowledge and leadership skills will be key to the property’s continued success.”
Ahle will manage day-to-day operations at Franklin Mills. He will be responsible for leasing, contract negotiation, budgeting, tenant relations and marketing, the mall said.
Ahle most recently was president of Pettinaro Management LLC for Pettinaro Real Estate Company in Wilmington, Del. He previously was vice president of asset and property management for WP Realty Inc. and senior vice president of asset management and corporate operations for Preferred Real Estate Investments Inc.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from James Madison University and is a senior certified shopping center manager as a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers. ••
