MEMPHIS, TN—Dallas-based Hillwood Investment Properties reports it has opened an office here and has hired industry veteran Kurt Nelson as senior vice president to oversee the firm's expanding Memphis portfolio.

Nelson brings nearly two decades of experience in industrial real estate development. He will remain based in Memphis where Hillwood plans to open a new office.

Nelson was previously with IDI Gazeley, where he served as senior vice president and regional director. He led the company's Memphis office for the majority of his 19-year tenure with the firm.

“We are very pleased to welcome an accomplished real estate leader like Kurt to the Hillwood team,” says Tal Hicks, president of Hillwood Investment Properties. “Kurt brings invaluable expertise and advanced knowledge of the Memphis market that is well suited for Hillwood's long-term commitment to the region's growth and development.”

Nelson has marketed and negotiated leases and sales of more than 16 million square feet and led the development of 24 buildings totaling more than 11 million square feet since 2001. Prior to joining IDI Gazeley in 1995, Nelson served as senior financial analyst at CB Commercial. He began his career at NationsBank as management associate in the bank's trust department.