Brent Smith, CEO, president, and CIO of Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: PDM), participated in a video interview at Nareit’s REITworld: 2019 Annual Conference in Los Angeles.
In Smith’s first year as CEO, he said his top priority is to maximize collaboration across Piedmont’s business.
“What we’re trying to do is to integrate that within our culture—to provide employees the incentive and the desire to share information across the entire platform,” Smith said.
Smith also said that Piedmont’s mission—to provide high-quality office space to its tenants—is supported by several pillars: acquisitions, focus on ESG issues, and utilization of its development and redevelopment capabilities.
Turning to a recent deal that Piedmont signed with WeWork in the Atlanta market, Smith said that flexible office space providers have highlighted for traditional office landlords how to improve their product.
“Clearly it’s something our customer base is demanding,” Smith said. “Creating a more hospitable environment is key.”