Bill Stein, CEO of Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR) and 2020 Nareit Chair, participated in a video interview at Nareit’s REITworld: 2019 Annual Conference in Los Angeles.
Reflecting upon the beginning of his tenure as Nareit chair, Stein described the REIT industry as healthy, citing low interest rates and economic expansion.
“In general, we’re in good shape,” he said, adding that growth in the data center, industrial, and cell tower sectors has been positive.
Turning to potential challenges for the industry in 2020, Stein discussed the new election cycle, trade wars, inflation, and regional economic threats.
Stein said his top priority as Nareit chair will be to communicate the job growth and capital investment benefits that REITs provide to both investors and politicians.