John R. Koelmel, the former First Niagara Financial Group chief executive who lost his job in March, has landed a new job overseeing the construction and operations of the HarborCenter hockey and entertainment complex now being built next to the First Niagara Center.
Koelmel was named president of the HarborCenter development by Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula, who is developing the Webster Block project that will include a hotel, restaurant, a pair of full-size ice rinks and a five-level parking facility.
“John is among the most well-respected professionals in Western New York,” Pegula said in a statement. “He has a long history as a successful businessman in the region, which will serve him well in his new role.”
The HarborCenter’s ice rinks, restaurant and retail stores are scheduled to open in September 2014, with the hotel set to open in the spring of 2015.
Koelmel was named president of the HarborCenter development by Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula, who is developing the Webster Block project that will include a hotel, restaurant, a pair of full-size ice rinks and a five-level parking facility.
“John is among the most well-respected professionals in Western New York,” Pegula said in a statement. “He has a long history as a successful businessman in the region, which will serve him well in his new role.”
The HarborCenter’s ice rinks, restaurant and retail stores are scheduled to open in September 2014, with the hotel set to open in the spring of 2015.