In an effort to spur development of...

In an effort to spur development of retail projects long on its drawing boards, the Irvine Co. has recruited Baltimore real estate development executive David Mudgett to be president of a new subsidiary company.

Mudgett, 38, who spent the last five years as executive vice president of the Evans Development Co. of Baltimore, started work Monday as president of the new Irvine Retail Properties Co. subsidiary.

Mudgett said he was hired to implement the Irvine Co.’s commercial development plans. “We feel our programs should be accelerated,” he said. Mudgett said one of his top priorities will be to develop the long-delayed shopping center component of Irvine Center, an office complex that the Irvine Co. is developing in south Orange County at the confluence of the Santa Ana and San Diego freeways, locally known as the “Golden Triangle.”

In addition, Mudgett said he will be going ahead with a major expansion at University Town Center, adjacent to UC Irvine, and the company’s home and garden center near the community of Woodbridge.

Previously, the Irvine Co.’s retail activities were managed by a division headed by Poston Tanaka. Tanaka, who was vice president of the division, has been reappointed vice president-operations for Fashion Island, the 17-year-old Newport Beach mall that is in the midst of a $60-million renovation.

As Irvine Retail Properties Co. president, Mudgett will report to William H. McFarland, Irvine Co. executive vice president, operations.