Securing the Next Chief Investment Officer: Strengthening Leading Investment Strategy in a Public REIT

The Client

Our client is an NYSE-traded triple-net equity REIT specializing in experiential real estate. With $7 billion in assets and fewer than 60 associates, the organization combines the scale of a public company with the close-knit culture of a midwestern team. Its portfolio, heavily focused on entertainment-based properties, faced unprecedented disruption during the global pandemic, yet the company has remained steadfast in its mission to become the premier experiential REIT.

The Challenge

Following the planned retirement of the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) who we originally recruited seven years earlier; the company sought a successor who could seamlessly assume responsibility for overseeing investment and risk management strategy. As a member of the Investment Committee and a named executive officer reporting directly to the CEO, the CIO role is critical to developing new business opportunities, cultivating customer relationships, and shaping innovative concepts for the portfolio.

This hands-on leadership position demanded a unique combination of skills: a deep understanding of the REIT industry and capital markets; the ability to collaborate across all functional areas including legal, underwriting, asset management, and human capital; and the gravitas to engage with investors, influencing both cost of funds and market perception. Cultural fit was equally essential—the organization values collegiality, personal development, and team advancement, making leadership style as important as technical expertise.

The Solution

Drawing on our longstanding relationship with the client, as well as deep industry knowledge and capital markets expertise, Boyden conducted a targeted search to identify candidates with both the technical capabilities and cultural alignment necessary for success. We focused on executives with proven track records in investment leadership within the REIT or broader real estate sector, experience as a member of a corporate investment committee, and the ability to operate effectively in a public company environment.

Through our network and targeted outreach, we engaged with candidates across the country, emphasizing the opportunity’s strategic importance and the organization’s strong growth trajectory. Understanding the client’s culture allowed us to assess for the leadership style, collaboration skills, and adaptability that would ensure a smooth transition. Relocation to the Midwest headquarters was a requirement for this Executive Vice President level position; in this case, the successful candidate moved their family from the West Coast, fully embracing the company’s collaborative, high-performance environment.

The Results

Boyden successfully recruited a top-tier investment executive who has seamlessly integrated into the leadership team, assuming a pivotal role in advancing the company’s investment strategy and positioning it for future growth. This transition period ahead of the retiring CIO’s departure ensured continuity in leadership while reinforcing the organization’s reputation with its customers and investor base as a premier experiential REIT.

The Impact

This successful appointment secured the continuity of investment leadership during a pivotal transition, reinforcing the company’s stability and growth trajectory. By aligning cultural fit with technical expertise, Boyden ensured a seamless succession that further strengthened investor confidence and positioned the REIT for long-term strategic success.