Berliner Tapped as FCRC's COO

NEW YORK CITY-Less than two weeks after taking the reins at Forest City Ratner Cos., MaryAnne Gilmartin has named her replacement in her previous role, as well as a new COO. David Berliner, formerly general counsel at FCRC, has stepped up to the COO’s office, while Melissa Roman Burch takes Gilmartin’s old job as EVP of commercial and residential development. In addition, Ashley Cotton has been promoted to SVP of external affairs and chief of staff to the CEO.

“David has long been a valuable member of the executive team with a thorough knowledge of the entire company,” says Gilmartin, who took over as FCRC’s president and CEO on April 17, in a release. As COO, Berliner will be “a key member of my leadership team and a great partner as I take over the day-to-day responsibilities of the company.” Company founder Bruce Ratner, who named Gilmartin to her new responsibilities, will remain as executive chairman.