Within that refined focus of select submarkets, Meridian has a specific target investment size, Mughal shares.

“Meridian's target investment size will vary based on the quality of the opportunities, with the expectation that a large proportion of our investments will occur in the $10 million to $75 million acquisition price range,” Mughal tells GlobeSt.com. “Our investment velocity will depend on our opportunity set, but we expect to acquire multiple assets annually for the foreseeable future.”

Mughal has 25 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, and his background includes extensive experience in acquisitions, which will be beneficial to Meridian as it expands its portfolio throughout Northern California, Pollock says.

“Awais is passionate about building relationships and is well known in the real estate community,” said Pollock. “That, paired with his comprehensive experience and ability to provide guidance and manage teams, will make Awais a huge asset to our acquisitions department.”

Previously, Mughal served as a partner at Harvest Properties Inc., where he was responsible for sourcing new acquisitions and guiding the performance of assets. Prior to Harvest Properties, Mughal held several positions at CarrAmerica Realty Corporation including senior associate, and before that, he was an acquisitions analyst at LaSalle Partners.

“I have long admired Awais' ability to see things that others don't. For example, his early entry into the Oakland market when most of his peers were reluctant took courage and conviction, and in hindsight was brilliant,” Pollock tells GlobeSt.com. “Pairing Awais' acquisition prowess with Meridian's robust underwriting, construction management and asset management talent is going to make this team unstoppable. Awais has already hit the ground running and I'm looking forward to seeing him make a meaningful impact on Meridian's continued growth.”