Each month, Nareit highlights recent executive career moves, board changes, and other notable individual achievements and developments within the REIT and publicly listed real estate market.
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In Memoriam
David Simon, chairman, CEO, and president of Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE: SPG), and a past chair of Nareit, died at the age of 64. A central figure in the evolution of the modern retail experience, Simon’s leadership helped shape both the trajectory of his company and the broader real estate investment landscape over more than three decades. Nareit President and CEO Steve Wechsler described him as “dynamic, decisive, and demanding,” as well as a “stalwart supporter of the REIT industry” and a “longtime leader of the REIT and retail real estate investment community.” What set Simon apart, he added, was his vision and conviction. "Whenever the markets, media, or anyone questioned the future of brick-and-mortar retail, he leaned in. He invested in properties, evolved the retail experience, and helped stabilize key parts of the sector in times of disruption—most recently in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic," Wechsler said.
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Ashford Inc. announced that Deric Eubanks, CFO and treasurer, will retire in June following a 23-year career with the company and its predecessor. Eubanks will step down as CFO of the company and its advised REITs, Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AHT) and Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: BHR) and, in order to ensure a smooth transition, will continue to assist the company, as senior managing director, with financial and transitional matters until June 30.
Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. (NYSE: BNL) announced the promotion of Mike McQuide to vice president, credit risk. He will continue to focus on the execution of prudent credit underwriting efforts through the comprehensive analysis of prospective and existing tenant financial data to inform investment decision making for BNL’s industrial-focused, diversified portfolio. McQuide joined Broadstone in 2024 and brought previous industry experience from his tenure with Physicians Realty Trust and Realty Income Corp. (NYSE: O).
Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT) named Alex Jessett as its second-ever CEO. Jessett joined Camden in 1999 and most recently served as president and CFO. He takes over the reins from co-founder Ric Campo, who had been Camden’s CEO since the company’s IPO in 1993. Campo will now serve as executive chairman of the board of trust managers.
Camden also said that Laurie Baker has been promoted to president and COO and Benjamin Fraker has been promoted to executive vice president – CFO and treasurer. D. Keith Oden, co-founder of the company, will continue in his role as executive vice chairman of the board of trust managers.
Centerspace (NYSE: CSR) said Emily Nagle Green, a member of the board of yrustees, will retire as a trustee, chair of the nominating and governance committee, and member of the audit committee effective upon the expiration of her annual term at the conclusion of the 2026 annual meeting of shareholders on May 13.
Dynex Capital, Inc. (NYSE: DX) welcomed Corbin Dryden as head of cybersecurity and infrastructure. Dryden will lead enterprise cybersecurity and infrastructure strategy “to help ensure Dynex remains secure, resilient, and well-positioned to support continued growth,” the REIT said. Dryden joins Dynex from PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX) named Olivier Leonetti as CFO, bringing more than 30 years of financial leadership experience to Equinix, including a deep background in technology and infrastructure. Leonetti most recently served as CFO of Eaton, a leading power management company and a large supplier to the data center industry.
"Olivier is an exceptional leader with a distinguished track record of delivering strong results at leading technology and infrastructure companies," said Adaire Fox-Martin, CEO and president of Equinix.
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FR) said Frank Schmitz will be appointed to the board of directors, effective June 1. Schmitz is a veteran real estate investment and capital advisory executive with nearly four decades of global experience spanning lending, investment, development, capital markets, and cross-border capital flows, the company said.
Gladstone Commercial Corp. (Nasdaq:GOOD) announced several executive officer appointments in connection with its strategic succession plan. David Gladstone stepped down as CEO, however, he will remain as chairman of the board of directors, a member of the investment committee, and also continue as chairman, CEO, and president of the company's affiliated investment adviser, Gladstone Management Corporation. Arthur ‘Buzz’ Cooper, the company's president since 2022 who joined the Gladstone organization in its founding year (2001), has succeeded David Gladstone as CEO and will function in the dual role of CEO and president. John Sateri, a 20-year veteran at Gladstone and a current member of the investment committee, has been appointed chief investment officer.
Meanwhile, Gary Gerson, CFO and assistant treasurer since 2021 and who previously served as treasurer from 2006-2012, has also been named executive vice president and will continue to serve in all three roles. Ryan Carter, a current managing director since 2021, has also been elevated to executive vice president.
Kite Realty Group (NYSE: KRG) announced that Heath Fear, the company’s executive vice president and CFO, has been promoted to president and CFO. Fear joined the company in 2018. “Heath has played a critical role in shaping our strategy, strengthening our balance sheet, and driving disciplined capital allocation across the organization,” said John Kite, chairman and CEO.
Realty Income Corp. (NYSE: O) said its Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary, Michelle Bushore, is leaving the company. To ensure a smooth transition, Bushore will continue to serve in her role through Sept. 2, while the company conducts a search for a new chief legal officer.
Royal Oak Realty Trust named Alisa (Ali) Hoy as general counsel, a newly established role to provide dedicated legal support across its business functions and to assist in continued growth. Hoy will formally begin her tenure on May 1st and report directly to CEO Daniel Goldstein. She will support a broad range of legal and operational functions at Cambridge Street Asset Management, Royal Oak’s asset and property manager, and Royal Oak.
SL Green Realty Corp. (NYSE:SLG) announced the promotion of Harrison Sitomer to president and chief investment officer. In addition, the company extended the contracts of CFO Matthew DiLiberto and COO Edward Piccinich, through the end of 2028. Sitomer began his career at SL Green as an intern and steadily rose through the organization, serving in a variety of investment roles before assuming the role of chief investment officer in January 2022.
Tanger (NYSE:SKT) reported that Steven Tanger will retire from his role as chair of the board and assume the title of chair emeritus at the annual meeting of shareholders on May 8, marking the culmination of 40 years of leadership and service to the company. “Steve’s impact on Tanger has been immeasurable,” said Stephen Yalof, president and CEO. “For more than four decades, his leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence have helped shape Tanger into the company it is today.” Luis Ubiñas, an independent director, will succeed Tanger as non‑executive chair of the board. At the same time, Bridget Ryan-Berman will conclude her service as lead independent director and continue to serve on the board.
W.P. Carey Inc. (NYSE: WPC) said Zachary Pasanen and Tyler Swann have been appointed as co-heads of North American investments, with responsibility for driving W. P. Carey’s North American investment activity, including the sourcing, underwriting, and structuring of all North American transactions. Gino Sabatini, head of investments at W. P. Carey, said: “Since joining the firm in 2011 and 2013, respectively, both Zack and Tyler have been instrumental to the strength and consistency of our North American investment platform. They have earned the trust of our organization and our partners, and I’m eager to see the impact they will have on our team and investment capabilities in the years to come.”