Last week, Blackstone announced that real estate executive Jonathan Gray solidified his role as heir apparent to CEO Stephen Schwarzman. Gray, who runs the firm's $115-billion real estate business, will become president and chief operating officer thanks to Tony James, who is handing over day-to-day management of the business.

Blackstone deserves a round of applause for thoughtfully planning and executing on a succession plan for Schwarzman. The transition from one CEO to another is critical to the company's history. A well-orchestrated transition is essential to maintain the confidence of investors, business partners, customer and employees.

A carefully designed and executed succession plan sets the stage for the new CEO to comfortably take the reins. Failure to plan for succession sets the stage for disruption of the business and a whole host of issues that could have been avoided through careful planning. Alas, I find that the vast majority of companies across every sector only pay lip service to succession planning, which I guess is okay because it keeps executive search consultants busy.

Job Listings

BAYSIDE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

Construction and Development Manager

(ROWLETT, TX)

Responsible for all aspects of construction project management and oversight or assistance with property management. Duties include: operating as owner's representative; working directly with division and regional leads to deliver cost efficient construction; and managing general contractors for various projects. (Sponsored Job)

AVISTONE, LLC

Senior Property Manager

(COLUMBUS, OH)

Responsibilities include: establishing and maintaining an excellent working relationship with the tenants to ensure their satisfaction as a tenant in the park; performing lease administration duties, monitoring collections, and coordinating default proceedings; and bidding, negotiating, and managing vendor contracts. (Sponsored Job)

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL

Senior Property Manager

(TORONTO, ON)

Position will be involved in all aspects of managing an office portfolio, handle operations and financial and administrative activities, manage important relationships with tenants, property owner and vendors.

FEDEX FREIGHT, INC

Real Estate Services Advisor

(LAKELAND, FL)

Duties include, but not limited to: managing lease expirations, renewals and/or extensions; collaborating with Facility Planning to define respective terms and negotiate timely, cost-effective agreements; and investigate real estate alternatives to meet the company's facility capacity needs and operational requirements.

COLONY NORTHSTAR

Associate Vice President, Capital Planning and Development

(BETHESDA, MD)

Associate VP will manage capital planning and expenditures across multi-million dollar portfolio; lead major projects associated with existing assets; and work with internal and external asset managers.

DLC MANAGEMENT CORPORATION

SVP of Property Management

(ELMSFORD, NY)

Responsibilities include: leading a team of 18 across 5 offices; working with Executive team on the overall leadership and management of DLC and provide the operational perspective on property, portfolio and corporate performance; and developing strong understanding of the real estate markets and communities.

HUMANA

Head of Facilities Management

(LOUISVILLE, KY)

Position will oversee facility management services for their diverse 500+ location portfolio. Leader will also be responsible for enterprise business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning in conjunction with Risk Management, Global Security, Landlords, City & State officials, and other organizations to ensure that Humana's facilities are operational during times of emergencies like inclement weather, severe weather, regional utility outages, or security threats.

CITY OF ENGLEWOOD

Planning Manager

(ENGLEWOOD, CO)

Duties include: managing and directing the projects and programs of assigned staff and functions related to community planning and development activities; supervising professional planning staff of the Community Development Department; and facilitating development and administration of the division's work program, budget, project assignments, and staff professional development activities.

RED DEVELOPMENT, LLC

Senior Asset Manager

(DALLAS, TX)

Successful candidate will provide general oversight to each assigned property on behalf of ownership; and maintain positive relationships and partnerships with key, internal, external and cross-functional partners.

EMMES

Senior Property Manager / Property Manager

(SAN DIEGO, CA)

Manager will manage, write and approve vendor contracts; conduct competitive and ethical bidding procedures for building services to ensure quality and competitive pricing on an ongoing basis; and develop relationships with service partners.

Instant Insights /

Succession Planning

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