Full Name
Craig Kopko
Job Title
Executive VP of Development
Company Name
WMG Development
Speaker Bio
Craig Kopko is the executive VP of development at WMG Development, where he is responsible for managing WMG’s expanding development exposure. He has over 20 years of commercial real estate experience and has successfully overseen a remarkable 203 developments at WMG, totaling an impressive 1.15 million-plus sq. ft. from 2019 to 2023. In those same years, his impact has extended nationally, as evidenced by WMG's footprint in 27 unique states and 302 unique cities. Navigating diverse regulatory landscapes and building strong relationships have been key components of Kopko's success in leaving an indelible mark on each locale.
A defining aspect of Craig's career is the extensive network of relationships he has cultivated. Also, from 2019 to 2023, WMG has collaborated with 109 different tenants across various industries, showcasing Craig's versatility in meeting the unique needs of diverse clients. Craig leads the WMG development team to help identify potential problems, craft thoughtful solutions, and maximize upside throughout the development process. He helps build strong and enduring professional relationships not only to increase exposure to development opportunities for WMG, but to support his peers in the industry who look to him for guidance and expertise.
Prior to joining WMG in 2019, Craig spent more than a decade with multi-regional real estate operating company North American Properties. In his role as VP, he was responsible for sourcing new retail, mixed use and multifamily developments, and overseeing the lease-up of all retail space. During his time with the organization, he was directly responsible for developing more than 300,000 sq.ft. of space with a market value of around $200 million.
Craig is a rare professional with deep and demonstrated experience in all aspects of the development process; real estate selection, planning and entitlements, civil, project management, construction management and asset management. He leverages his asset management skills by building and maintaining strong tenant relationships. Craig also has a special expertise in successfully navigating the potentially costly and complex environmental issues that can complicate otherwise promising projects.
A defining aspect of Craig's career is the extensive network of relationships he has cultivated. Also, from 2019 to 2023, WMG has collaborated with 109 different tenants across various industries, showcasing Craig's versatility in meeting the unique needs of diverse clients. Craig leads the WMG development team to help identify potential problems, craft thoughtful solutions, and maximize upside throughout the development process. He helps build strong and enduring professional relationships not only to increase exposure to development opportunities for WMG, but to support his peers in the industry who look to him for guidance and expertise.
Prior to joining WMG in 2019, Craig spent more than a decade with multi-regional real estate operating company North American Properties. In his role as VP, he was responsible for sourcing new retail, mixed use and multifamily developments, and overseeing the lease-up of all retail space. During his time with the organization, he was directly responsible for developing more than 300,000 sq.ft. of space with a market value of around $200 million.
Craig is a rare professional with deep and demonstrated experience in all aspects of the development process; real estate selection, planning and entitlements, civil, project management, construction management and asset management. He leverages his asset management skills by building and maintaining strong tenant relationships. Craig also has a special expertise in successfully navigating the potentially costly and complex environmental issues that can complicate otherwise promising projects.
