Gencom, the U.S.-based investment firm that owns, operates and develops real estate worldwide, has announced a new organizational structure as well as leadership appointments to help position the company for its next phase of growth.
The firm has organized its operations into two complementary business lines—Gencom Capital and Gencom Real Estate—each with a distinct mandate while working in close partnership to create long-term value across its portfolio.
Founder and CEO Karim Alibhai will continue to lead Gencom, overseeing both businesses while providing strategic direction across the firm’s investment and operating activities.
“Successful real estate platforms are built by combining disciplined investing with exceptional execution,” said Alibhai. “As Gencom continues to grow, this evolution strengthens our leadership, sharpens accountability, and positions us to capitalize on the opportunities ahead while continuing to deliver outstanding outcomes for our investors and partners.”
Gencom Capital, led by chief investment officer Alessandro Colantonio, will oversee the firm’s investment strategy, acquisitions, capital formation and allocation, capital markets, portfolio management and investor relations across its equity and debt platforms.
In addition, the firm has promoted three long-time members of its investment team. Ignasi Puig was promoted to managing director, acquisitions & investments; Peter Trujillo to managing director, corporate investments; and Blythe Pierre-Louis to managing director, special situations.
Gencom Real Estate will be led by Donald McGregor, who has been promoted to president of Gencom Real Estate. In this leadership role, he will oversee the execution of the firm’s strategies across development, construction and asset management. Supporting McGregor will be Shaun Johnston, who has been promoted to head of portfolio finance & accounting, Gencom Real Estate. Reporting directly to McGregor, Johnston will lead the finance and accounting team, collaborating closely with the asset management, development and transaction teams.
Further strengthening Gencom Real Estate, the firm recently hired Jake Lynch as SVP, asset management. Lynch brings more than 15 years of hospitality investment, asset management and operational leadership experience to his new role.
“Our success has always been driven by exceptional people,” said McGregor. “As we continue to grow, we are building a team with the expertise to create value at every stage of the investment lifecycle. Jake is a terrific addition to the Gencom Real Estate platform, and Shaun’s promotion reflects the depth of talent we have developed within the firm. Together, they reinforce our ability to cultivate talent, build relationships and deliver measurable results for our investors, partners and stakeholders.”
Founded more than 40 years ago, Gencom’s portfolio comprises nearly $8 billion in assets under management and includes 24 owned assets in operation or under development with more than 6,000 hotel rooms worldwide. Its hospitality-driven real estate portfolio is operated in partnership with global brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, Auberge Resorts Collection, Fairmont, Hyatt and Marriott.