Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. has appointed Mark Furlet to the position of vice president and general manager of the L.A. Mart.

In his new role, Furlet will oversee all operations, marketing, leasing and building support for the nearly 250 showrooms housed at the L.A. Mart.

Furlet replaces Michael Kessler, who resigned the position to pursue other career interests.

Furlet is the former leasing director for The Chicago Market: Living and Giving at Chicago's Merchandise Mart, where he worked with and negotiated hundreds of transactions to the benefits of the Chicago Market and its 200 showrooms.

“MMPI is anchored by the fact that we have a portfolio of industry buildings and management across the U.S. and we were able to tap into that pool of leadership to fill this critical position,” said Joan Ulrich, senior vice president, MMPI. “In his tenure, Mark Furlet has distinguished himself to our showrooms and his team with his hard work ethic, caring personal style and his desire to succeed. We look forward to more of his contributions on behalf of MMPI and the L.A. Mart.”

Before joining MMPI, Furlet spent nearly 20 years as a settlement manager at a prominent Chicago law firm.

Prior to that, he spent eight years in retail management including a four-year stint at Marshall Field's in suburban Chicago.