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People & Companies News for Week Ending October 18, 2024
- Ivan Limpright has been named chair of both Concert Properties and Concert Infrastructure Fund (CIF.) He replaces David Podmore, a commercial real estate industry legend who co-founded Vancouver-based Concert Properties in 1989 with late business partner Jack Poole, and founded CIF in 2010. Podmore retired on September 30 and will remain in an advisory capacity as chair emeritus to support Limpright and both boards. During the past two decades, Limpright has gained extensive leadership experience in union leadership, pension fund and trust management, as well as board and committee membership. At the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Local 1518, B.C.’s largest private-sector union, he took on increasingly senior positions while rising to president, a role he held for about 12 years. He was also chair of the board for the jointly trusted UFCW 1518 pension plan (with nearly $3 billion in assets.) He guided the plan through challenging economic times and a complicated regulatory environment over his 23-year tenure. He also chaired the UFCW Employee Life and Health Trust for 14 years.
- Southwest Properties has made multiple role changes for its leadership team. Six women have taken on new leadership positions with the Halifax-based development firm. Jennifer Poirier has been promoted to vice-president of real estate. She will oversee real estate operations across Southwest’s entire portfolio. Jody Sampson has been appointed vice-president of residential operations and customer strategy. She will manage operations for mixed-use residential properties. Lindsay Downie has been named vice-president of residential leasing and brand strategy, overseeing leasing operations and leading brand strategy across Southwest’s portfolio. Jacqueline Ferguson will serve as vice-president of people and culture, talent strategies, employee engagement, and overseeing IT to enhance organizational performance through technology and human capital. Leslie McIntyre has assumed the role of vice-president and group controller. She continues to manage financial operations and maintain compliance. Lastly, Alison Winsor will serve as executive assistant to the President and CEO Ben Young, as well as handling special projects like Southwest’s fleet management and overseeing the administration team.
- Jason Parravano will become president and CEO of Plaza REIT in January 2025. He will succeed Michael Zakuta at the helm of the Fredericton, N.B.-based REIT. The transition process has begun. Parravano currently serves as the REIT’s chief operating officer. He joined Plaza in January 2024 and has led all of the REIT’s day-to-day activities and the teams responsible for all aspects of its portfolio, including investment, leasing, operations, asset management, development, redevelopment and construction activities. He has also played a leading role in shaping and co-ordinating the implementation of Plaza’s strategy going forward. Before joining Plaza, he spent eight years president and CEO of Canadian Net REIT. Zakuta will continue to serve on Plaza’s board following the transition. He has led Plaza for almost 20 years.
- Nexus Industrial REIT has appointed Mary Vitug to its board. Vitug brings over 30 years of capital markets experience, including 24 years at Scotiabank as a managing director in investment banking and equity capital markets. During her tenure, she led numerous initial public offerings, mergers, and equity financings with a focus on sectors such as real estate, retail, and financial institutions. Vitug also served on Scotiabank’s equity liability committee, playing a key role in evaluating global financing risks. Currently, Vitug is a StorageVault director, a trustee of Slate Grocery REIT, and an advisor to Nicola Wealth. She also chaired VersaFi’s board for more than a decade, contributing to leadership in diversity and inclusion.
- ◦Lease
- ◦Sale/Acquisition
- ◦Development
- ◦People
- ◦Recruitment
