Off the Cliff

Off the Cliff

First let me wish all of the readers of Executive Watch a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. Frankly, I am happy to have 2012 behind us. The long and painful election process, followed by daily, hourly, and by the minute coverage of the “Fiscal Cliff” and even worse, foreboding of a “Fiscal Abyss” drove me crazy. Thankfully the Senate bureaucrats voted a budget compromise on Monday and the House Bureaucrats voted it into law on Tuesday. The rhetoric, political jockeying, and self serving approach by the executive and legislative branches is embarrassing, and frankly we Americans deserve better than what is dished out by our lawmakers. There were two themes that were woven into every speech are divisive. The first is the reference to the middle “class” reinforcing unhealthy class distinctions. I like “middle income” better. The second was President Obama’s attack on the “wealthy.” Everyday in every speech we hear how the “rich” do not do enough. I’m looking forward to the day that the President is out of office and he (and the First Lady) cut their first book deal for millions of dollars, and go on the speaking circuit at $100,000 a pop. At least at that point he’ll be among the wealthy and we can put him into the same bucket as all of the other rich folks out there.

Tony LoPinto is the Global Sector Leader of Korn/Ferry International’s Real Estate Practice and founder of SelectLeaders. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own.

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COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL Director, Strategy and Innovation (ATLANTA) The director, strategy and innovation will provide leadership and strategic direction focused on a consultative approach toward portfolio optimization, site selection/location strategies, business process improvement and the design of targeted key performance indicators (KPI’s) for Colliers’ clients. The successful candidate will exhibit a proven track record in leading multi-disciplinary teams and have the ability to develop and execute customized client engagements focused at solving complex business and real estate problems. PIEDMONT OFFICE REALTY TRUST Property Manager (WASHINGTON, DC) The purpose of the property management position will be to oversee all aspects of the assigned properties and ability to expand responsibilities as additional properties are acquired. He/she will maintain positive relations with tenants and contractors and ensure that the properties are managed in accordance with the lease agreements and established levels of quality and profitability. FOREST CITY Development Manager (HONOLULU) Position will be responsible for overseeing and managing multiple complex development projects taking them from inception through implementation. This position will work closely with the President of Development on managing existing project development phases as well as cultivating new development opportunities while managing and leading Development Associates assigned to the project team. AMSTAR GROUP, LLC Reporting Analyst/Associate (DENVER) The reporting analyst/associate will responsible for financial and performance reporting to firm’s senior management, third-party indices, consultants and clients. In addition, the reporting analyst/associate will maintain records, create and present reports and conduct other financial and reporting activities in support of firm’s projects. WINSPORT Vice President, Operations (CALGARY, CANADA) Reporting to the president and CEO, the VP, operations will manage an annual expenditure budget of $12 million and direct a permanent team of 45, plus 125 seasonal workers, through seven direct reports. As a member of the WinSport Executive Leadership Team, this position will make a significant strategic contribution to an organization that is all about breakthrough thinking and performance. LEGADO COMPANIES Senior Asset Property Manager, Multifamily and Mixed-Use Portfolio (BEVERLY HILLS) Position will provide operational and fiscal management of properties in accordance with owner requirements while complying with established Company objectives and applicable law. Duties include responsibility for asset management; aggressively and proactively implement strategies to increase revenue and decrease operating costs; preparing summary analysis in support of recommended strategies; conducing site tours and overseeing third party management teams; and preparing performance against operating and capital expenditure budgets. METLIFE GROUP Director – Equity Team Leader (WASHINGTON, DC) Duties include acting in a leadership role in the origination and closing of new commercial real estate equity investments and in the monitoring and management of the local equity portfolio; providing oversight, direction and guidance to other members of the local equity investment team; developing constructive relationships with key market participants, such as investment sales professionals, developers and investors, representing MetLife in a professional manner at all times; and soliciting investment opportunities from market participants and communicate MetLife’s then current equity investment parameters. BELL PARTNERS Regional Manager (ORLANDO) The Regional Manager will be responsible for the management of a portfolio of apartment communities in a given geographic area. This position will be focused on the financial performance of each community, ensuring that it is properly staffed and managed to provide an optimal return to the investors. Additionally, this position will also has specific training and experience to oversee multiple managers and provide guidance on operating and financial issues to those managers.

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