Neithercut, Behar Receive Industry Awards
Nareit presented its 2018 Industry Leadership Award to David Neithercut, CEO of Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR). Neithercut, who has served as Equity Residential’s CEO since 2006 and served as Nareit’s Chair in 2015, retired at the end of 2018. He has consistently been a strong advocate for the REIT industry, taking its positions to members of Congress and communicating the value that REITs bring to investors, communities, and the economy. “David also devoted his time and experience to reaching out to pension plan investment managers to build their understanding of the REIT investment proposition,” 2019 Nareit Chair Sandeep Mathrani said while presenting the award.
Jamie Behar received Nareit’s 2018 Industry Achievement Award. Behar was the managing director, real estate and alternative investments, at General Motors Investment Management Corp. from 2005 to 2015, where she was responsible for managing real estate and alternative investment portfolios totaling approximately $12 billion at peak value. She also served as board chair of the Pension Real Estate Association. “At PREA, Jamie was a strong advocate for pension plans investing in both public and private real estate, and she has helped build bridges between the public and private real estate worlds,” 2018 Nareit Chair Thomas J. Baltimore, Jr. said in presenting the award.
CareTrust REIT, Inc. (Nasdaq:CTRE) announced the appointment of Diana Laing, recently-retired CFO of single-family housing REIT American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH), to its board of directors.
CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CTT) appointed Lesley Solomon as general counsel and corporate secretary, a new position. She joins the company from Alston & Bird LLP, where she was a longtime partner and had represented CatchMark.
Digital Realty Trust (NYSE: DLR) announced the appointment of Gregory Wright as chief investment officer. Wright was most recently co-head of Americas real estate and managing director of the Real Estate, Gaming & Lodging Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. In addition, Digital Realty named Mark Smith managing director, Asia Pacific. Smith was most recently managing director, Asia at Zettagrid.
First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey (FREIT) announced that Donald Barney retired as president, CFO, treasurer and as a trustee of FREIT. Allan Tubin, the CFO of Hekemian & Co., Inc., FREIT’s managing agent, was appointed to succeed Barney as CFO and treasurer.
Highwoods Properties, Inc. (NYSE: HIW) announced that Ted Klinck, who has served as executive vice president and COO since September 2015, has been promoted to the position of president and COO.
MFA Financial, Inc. (NYSE: MFA) named Gudmundur Kristjansson and Bryan Wulfsohn co-chief investment officers. Kristjansson joined MFA in 2007 and Wulfsohn joined MFA in 2010.
Piedmont Office Realty Trust (NYSE: PDM) said it promoted CIO C. Brent Smith to the position of president and CIO. He will report to CEO Donald Miller and work with him on corporate strategy, while taking a broader role across the company’s platform.
The Parking REIT, Inc. appointed J. Kevin Bland as CFO. He has previously served in a series of strategic financial roles in the real estate industry.
ShopOne Centers REIT Inc. announced the appointment of Bob Dake as executive vice president of leasing. Over the last decade, Dake has held senior positions at Brixmor Property Group (NYSE: BRX) and Equity One, Inc. The company also announced the promotion of Eric Hutchins to the position of senior vice president of national accounts. Hutchins previously held the title of vice president and director of leasing.
Taubman Centers, Inc. (NYSE: TCO) said David Wolff resigned his position as vice president, chief accounting officer. He also served as the company’s principal accounting officer. Ryan Hurren, director of investor relations, was appointed interim chief accounting officer. Simon Leopold, executive vice president, CFO, and treasurer, will serve as the principal accounting officer.
UDR, Inc. (NYSE: UDR) said Jerry Davis was appointed to the position of president, in addition to his current responsibilities as COO. Davis has served as senior vice president and COO since 2013.