Prominent real estate development firm names new CEO

ST. PETERSBURG — The Sembler Co., which has developed more than 350 real estate projects totaling 27 million square feet throughout the Southeast and Puerto Rico, has named Greg Sembler CEO, effective Jan. 1. He succeeds Ron Wheeler, who joined the St. Petersburg-based company — which also offers property management and leasing services — in 1997 as vice president of investments.

Greg Sembler is the son of company founder Mel Sembler and currently serves as chairman of the board.

“Ron Wheeler steered this company through a very transitional time in the commercial real estate industry,” Sembler states in a press release. “He took strategic direction that positioned us extremely well now and for the future, and we’re grateful for his leadership. More importantly, Ron followed the example my father set when he founded this company — prioritizing the highest ethical standards and community service. As a result, we have one of the most cohesive, highly skilled, longest-serving teams in the industry. I look forward to working with them every day.”

According to the release, Sembler’s portfolio flourished under Wheeler’s leadership, maintaining a consistent 95% or better occupancy rate.

“I am incredibly grateful for the confidence Greg Sembler and his family have shown me in my over two decades with the company and am so proud of what a great team we have.  I wish them all the best success in the future and know that they will continue to thrive,” Wheeler states in the release. “I look forward to my future where I can focus on some of the most rewarding parts of my career. Those include philanthropy and mentoring and coaching others in the values we cherish here at Sembler of respect, integrity, transparency, teamwork and employee fulfillment and how these lead to bottom-line success.”