Wilder Companies hires Koechel as general mgr. of Garden City Center

The Wilder Companies, a national retail real estate leasing, management and development firm, has hired Joseph Koechel as general manager of Garden City Center. Koechel is a seasoned senior executive with an extensive background in retail and real estate management. Most recently he was a general manager with Westfield, an international shopping center developer, managing retail, food and beverages at Logan Airport. He has also served as general manager for several major regional shopping centers throughout the area including Providence Place, South Shore Plaza, Emerald Square, and Solomon Pond Mall. Koechel will oversee the day-to-day management of the center and will also be involved in the shopping center's redevelopment plans. These plans include upgrading the building's facades, improving site signage and traffic flow, and increasing the synergy between the center's three shopping areas.