"It is a great opportunity and a challenge I welcome," Couchsays. "I very much look forward to bringing continued success andsatisfaction to owners and investors, residents of Lane-managedassets and Lane Management's associates."

Couch was previously president of Centrum Management LLC, whichdid not comment on the move. He also held high-level positions atInsignia Management Group, Western National Property Management,Related Management, Balcor and Ram Partners. "Rob brings over 30years of leadership, property management, development, constructionand acquisition experience," said Lane Co. CEO Bill Donges in areleased statement. "He has demonstrated an understanding of costcontrol, market forces and third-party management, and knows how tocreate owner value via established goals and objectives."

Dan Haefner, CIO of Lane Co. and president of Lane AssetManagement, had been serving as interim president for severalmonths before Couch's appointment and will return to his primaryresponsibilities. Lane Co. specializes in apartment and condominiumdevelopment, investment, property management, construction, assetmanagement, marketing and sales.