Gilbert, who joined the firm in 2003, has been responsible for sourcing, negotiating and closing $5 billion of acquisitions for JER during his tenure with the company. In his new position he will oversee the origination of all new investments made by JER's US funds. He will continue to report to Cia Buckley, president of US Fund Business at JER.

Prior to JER, Gilbert was an EVP at Jones Lang LaSalle. Other previous positions include a career with the United States Air Force, where he was a captain and instructor pilot.

JER's promotion of Gilbert comes as the company is locked in a bidding war for the $1.7-billion acquisition of Genesis HealthCare Corp. As reported by GlobeSt.com, at the beginning of the month the joint venture between Formation Capital LLC and JER Partners raised its bid to acquire the Kennett Square, PA-based healthcare REIT to $65.25 per share. This matches a bid submitted last month by San Francisco-based Fillmore Capital Partners LLC. As a result the Genesis shareholders' meeting has been postponed until May 11.