MFA Financial, Inc. (NYSE: MFA) announced on Aug. 11 that co-CEO William Gorin died at the age of 59. Gorin joined MFA in 1997 and was named CEO in January 2014. Gorin also served as chair of NAREIT’s Mortgage REIT Council.
“Bill provided very effective and notably constructive leadership to the REIT industry as chair of NAREIT’s Mortgage REIT Council,” said NAREIT President and CEO Steve Wechsler. “His dedication to our industry was clearly evident as was his warmth, goodwill and graciousness to colleagues.”
Matthew Partridge resigned as executive vice president, CFO and secretary of Agree Realty Corp. (NYSE: ADC). Kenneth Howe, former CFO of the company, will return to the role on an interim basis.
Cousins Properties Inc. (NYSE: CUZ) elected Larry Gellerstedt to the combined role of chairman and CEO. In addition, Colin Connolly was promoted to the position of president and COO. He previously served as executive vice president and COO. Connolly joined Cousins in September 2011.
Equinix, Inc. (NASDAQ: EQIX) appointed Charles Meyers to the newly created position of president of strategy, services and innovation. Meyers, who served as COO since 2013, will lead the strategic business teams driving the company’s next phase of growth.
Global Net Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GNL) named James Nelson as president and CEO, replacing Scott Bowman. Nelson previously served as CEO of several public and private companies.
HCP, Inc. (NYSE: HCP) tapped Shawn Johnston as its senior vice president and chief accounting officer. Johnston joins HCP from UDR, Inc. (NYSE: UDR), where he served as chief accounting officer. Meanwhile, UDR said Tracy Hofmeister, the company’s vice president – controller, will serve as the interim principal accounting officer.
IRET (NYSE: IRET) named Susan Picotte as vice president of asset management. IRET also noted that as part of its previously disclosed executive transition plan, John Kirchmann has been appointed CFO. He served as vice president of operations support at Essex Property Trust (NYSE: ESS) until July 2016.
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: PDM) said Christopher Kollme, former managing director and head of real estate investment banking for SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, has joined the company as executive vice president for finance and strategy.
Welltower Inc. (NYSE: HCN) said Mary Ellen Pisanelli has joined the company as senior vice president for legal and administration. Pisanelli joined Welltower from Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, where she served as partner.