The president and chief executive officer of Kent Properties announced Monday the company's new name and a partner that would serve as its "corporate engine."

Kent Properties is now KentWorldwide Development, with Spectrum Commercial Properties LLC its new partner.

Mark Kent, president and CEO of KentWorldwide Development, unveiled the company's new brand and introduced Spectrum's president and broker-in-charge, Jack Snedigar, during a luncheon in downtown Greenville.

Spectrum, he said, would focus on actively acquiring, developing and managing new and existing properties on behalf of KentWorldwide development.

Snedigar, who worked as a real estate broker for Prudential C. Dan Joyner Co. for many years, said he is "extremely excited" about the new venture and partnership with KentWorldwide Development.

He said, "If things work as well as we hope, we expect to hire between six to eight professionals over the next 10 to 12 months." He said they would focus on premier properties throughout the Carolinas and Georgia.

The corporate office will be in the historic Chamber building on Main Street, where the eighth floor is being renovated for the company's use.