NEW YORK CITY – Empire State Realty Trust Inc. has announced that its current president and COO, John B. Kessler is leaving company, upon an orderly transition.

The REIT's current chairman and CEO, Anthony E. Malkin will assume the role of president.

The company will not fill the position of COO.

Kessler is stepping down upon the company's recent appointment of new EVP and CFO, Christina Chiu, and new SVP and CIO, Aaron D. Ratner.

"The Board of Directors and I thank John for his service and many contributions to ESRT since he joined us more than five years ago, including his leadership in our capital markets activities, our CFO transition and initiatives that enhanced our culture and strengthened our team," said Malkin and lead director, Steven J. Gilbert. "On behalf of the entire company, we wish John well in his future endeavors and greatly appreciate his thoughtful dedication and commitment to a smooth transition."

Prior to serving Empire State Realty Trust, Kessler previously held various positions at Morgan Stanley from 1993 to 2010, before serving as managing director at for Fortress Investment Group LLC from 2010 to 2013. Kessler a member of the Urban Land Institute, the Real Estate Roundtable and the Real Estate Board of New York.

The REIT, which owns, manages, operates and acquires office and retail properties, including the Empire State Building, currently manages a portfolio comprised of 10.1 million rentable square feet within Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area.

Instant Insights /

President, COO John B. Kessler Departs Empire State Realty Trust

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