Odyssey Retail Brokerage Launches in Manhattan
Former real estate pros from global luxury group Kering formed the new advisory services firm focused on setting brand strategies.
NEW YORK CITY—Two retail real estate veterans have launched a new company, Odyssey Retail Advisors. Richard Johnson and Charlie Koniver, both previously in the real estate division of the global luxury group, Kering, are sticking with what they know using their experience to focus on serving luxury and lifestyle tenants, developers and landlords.
Their new firm is an expansion and rebranding of Johnson Retail RE Consulting, Inc.
An attorney and member of the New York State Bar, Johnson created Odyssey’s forerunner, Johnson Retail. Its clients have included Crown Acquisitions/Wynn Las Vegas, Boston Seaport, Burberry, Stella McCartney, Sergio Rossi and Clarins. Johnson was Kering’s head of real estate for the Americas, where he performed site selection, market research and negotiation for the entire portfolio of brands including Gucci, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Volcom and Puma.
Koniver worked with Johnson at Kering, as a real estate specialist for the Americas. Together, they helped formulate and execute brands’ real estate strategies across North and South America. Koniver then initiated the internal real estate program at Richemont, where he provided services to companies including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Montblanc and Chloé.
“This partnership allows us to combine years of operational experience and superior business analytics with the legal expertise that helps clients thrive in a constantly evolving business environment,” says Johnson, a partner and managing director at Odyssey.
“Our firm is uniquely equipped to set strategy for brands, while also identifying new opportunities through our global connections,” says Koniver. “With the constant evolution of the retail environment, Odyssey manages existing lease portfolios, offering strategic insider guidance that goes well beyond transactional-thinking.”
In addition, Daniel Lewis has joined Odyssey team as VP. Previously, Lewis implemented multiple, large-scale projects at Michael Kors in a planning and allocation role. He then focused on tenant and landlord leasing representation at GLA Real Estate, where he worked on projects including the Atlanta Braves’ mixed-use, ground-up development, the Battery Atlanta.
Odyssey’s services include strategic planning, site identification and market analysis, project services, financial evaluation, negotiation, portfolio maintenance and restructuring and portfolio optimization.