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April 16, 2024

The Simon Konover Co. names third-generation Konover family member as new president

Contributed From left, Jim Wakim and Greg Konover.
By Andrew Larson

The president and chief operating officer of a West Hartford-based company that develops, owns and manages office, industrial, mixed-use, retail, multifamily and hospitality properties from the Midwest to the East Coast, has announced his plan to retire later this spring.

Jim Wakim, who joined The Simon Konover Co. in May 2008, has been responsible for the strategic growth of the company’s investment and management portfolio including its two operating divisions, Konover Commercial Corp. and Konover Residential Corp., according to the announcement. 

He will retire on May 31, but will remain with the company as a consultant through the end of 2024.

The Simon Konover Co., known for its philanthropic efforts, received the Hartford Business Journal’s Corporate Citizenship award in 2018.

At the time, Wakim told the Hartford Business Journal that when he first joined the company, the late founder, Simon Konover, told him: “Jim, make sure we're doing enough,” referring to philanthropy.

Wakim will be succeeded as president by Gregory Konover, a third-generation Konover family member and grandson of the founder. 

Gregory Konover started at the company in May 2013 as an acquisitions and development associate and was promoted to president of Konover Residential Corp. in October 2019 – a position which he will continue to hold.

Meanwhile, Chief Financial Officer Scott J. Lynch will take on the additional role of chief operating officer, and will work closely with Gregory Konover to “set the vision for the continuing success” of the company, the announcement states. 

The Simon Konover Co. has been family-owned for nearly 70 years.

“While it is rare for family enterprises to effectively navigate a generational segue, The Simon Konover Co. is very excited about the strength of our organization and the opportunities that lie ahead as we prepare to welcome third-generation family leadership,” Wakim said.

He continued: “We look forward to announcing further exciting changes in the months ahead.”

The Simon Konover Co. employs hundreds of people through its subsidiaries and owns or manages more than 6,500 apartment units along with 3.5 million square feet of office, industrial, retail and hospitality space.

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