Each month, Nareit highlights recent executive career moves, board changes, and other notable individual achievements within the REIT and publicly listed real estate market.
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In Memorium
Cousins Properties (NYSE:CUZ) founder Tom Cousins died on July 29 at the age of 93. The REIT noted that when Tom Cousins founded Cousins Properties in 1958, “he brought with him a bold vision for real estate development rooted in integrity, purpose, and strong principles. His leadership helped shape not only the Atlanta skyline with landmark projects like the CNN Center, the Omni Coliseum, 191 Peachtree Tower, and his favorite Bank of America Plaza, but also the broader residential and commercial real estate landscape across the Sun Belt.”
Cousins Properties added that his impact “extended far beyond the buildings he developed. He believed deeply in giving back and in the power of business to serve communities. His transformation of Atlanta’s East Lake neighborhood is a powerful example of this belief. Tom was a hero to many, and his influence lives on in the culture of our company, in the communities we serve, and in the lasting example he set as a leader committed to making a meaningful difference.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said Cousins’ “vision helped shape our skyline, his generosity helped rebuild communities, and values helped define modern Atlanta. A man of deep faith who loved his family, his legacy will live on as a guidepost for what leadership can and should be in Atlanta.”
Wesley LePatner, CEO of Blackstone Real Estate Investment Trust (BREIT), died on July 28 at the age of 43. She was among those who lost their lives when a gunman entered the lobby of the company’s offices at 345 Park Avenue in New York City. Before joining Blackstone in 2014, LePatner spent over a decade at Goldman Sachs. In a statement, Nareit said it was “deeply saddened” by her tragic death. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. As a valued member of Nareit’s Advisory Board of Governors and Public Non-Listed REIT (PNLR) Council, Wesley provided thoughtful guidance and meaningful insights that helped shape important conversations within our industry. Her influence, leadership, and contributions to the REIT and commercial real estate community will be long remembered.”
Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR) named C. R. Srinivasan as CEO of Digital Connexion, its joint venture in India. “With extensive experience and leadership across the telecom, IT, cybersecurity, and digital services sectors, C R Srinivasan brings an array of new perspectives and insights to help shape the future of digital transformation across India,” the REIT said.
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) said George Malkin has joined its board of directors. Malkin is president of Malkin Holdings. His career spans over a decade in operational and financial roles.
EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR) reported that Gregory Zimmerman recently notified the company of his intention to retire as executive vice president and chief investment officer in the first quarter of 2026. EPR has hired Ben Fox, who will be joining the company in August, as an executive vice president and is expected to succeed Zimmerman as chief investment officer upon his retirement. Fox previously served as managing director in the net lease division of Ares Management Corp.
Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX) announced the appointment of Shane Paladin as executive vice president and chief customer and revenue officer. Paladin brings more than 20 years of global experience in go-to-market motions and partnering with product organizations, the REIT said
Equinix also said it has appointed Equinix veteran Arquelle Shaw as president, Americas. Having most recently served as senior vice president, sales, Americas, for the past six years, she will continue in this capacity through the end of the third quarter to ensure a smooth transition while ramping up in her new position.
Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR) named Chris Carr to the board of trustees to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders. Carr qualifies as an independent trustee under the New York Stock Exchange’s listing standards. He will serve on the company’s audit and corporate governance committees. Carr is the former COO of Sweetgreen, Inc.
Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (Nasdaq: GLPI) said Carlo Santarelli has been appointed senior vice president, corporate strategy and investor relations, a new position at the company. Santarelli will begin on Aug. 18. He joins the company from Deutsche Bank, where he was managing director of gaming & lodging equity research
SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (NYSE: SMA) announced the appointment of Lora Gotcheva as an independent director of the company. Gotcheva has more than 25 years of financial management and investment experience with several firms in the financial services industry.
STAG Industrial, Inc. (NYSE:STAG) said it promoted Steve Kimball to COO. Kimball served as the company’s executive vice president—real estate operations from March 2023 until his promotion. Kimball is “instrumental in our initiatives to build a scalable operating platform, grow our development business, and enhance the tenant experience through local third-party property management teams,” said Bill Crooker, president and CEO.
Sun Communities, Inc. (NYSE: SUI) announced that its board of directors has appointed Charles Young as CEO, effective Oct. 1. Young, who will also join the board of directors, succeeds Gary Shiffman, who previously announced his planned retirement from the role of CEO after 40 years leading Sun. Since March 2023, Young has served as president of Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE: INVH), where he also served as COO.
Veris Residential, Inc. (NYSE: VRE) announced the appointment of Christopher Papa, executive vice president and CFO at CenterPoint Properties, to the board of directors. Papa has over 30 years of experience working across real estate, accounting and corporate finance and brings specialized expertise in multifamily real estate, audit, and M&A to the board, Veris said.