NEW YORK CITY—Dennis Friedrich, CEO of the global office of Brookfield Property Partners, has been named chairman of the Downtown Alliance, the group announced today.
The group's board of directors voted unanimously last night to have Friedrich replace longtime chairman Robert Douglass, who will stay on as a board member.
“I'm incredibly excited to welcome Dennis and look forward to all that he will do to move the Alliance into its next era as Chair,” says Downtown Alliance president Jessica Lappin. “Dennis brings a wealth of experience and a new perspective, and I am very much looking forward to our work together."
Meanwhile, she adds, "On behalf of the board, the Alliance staff and myself, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to former chair Robert Douglass. I thank him for his vision, dedication and twenty years of unparalleled leadership. He's been a great mentor not just to me, but to my predecessors and to countless members of the Alliance staff. His mark on our Lower Manhattan, our city and state are indelible.”
The chairman serves in a non-employee role and is responsible for guiding the Alliance's policies and mission, according to the group. Lappin, a former city council member, leads day-to-day operations for the business-boosting organization.
“It is a very exciting time for Lower Manhattan, and I believe our brightest, most vibrant days are ahead of us,” declares Friedrich. “Lower Manhattan's renaissance has only just begun. The Alliance is the guardian of the interests of Lower Manhattan, and our mission is as critical now as it has ever been. I feel proud and privileged to take on the responsibilities of chair.”
Brookfield is the largest property owner in the Lower Manhattan market, with seven office buildings and a total of 12.9 million square feet. The firm has played a strong role in Lower Manhattan's revitalization and the resurgence of its office market. Under Friedrich, Brookfield has leased 14.7 million square feet of space Downtown since 9/11, bringing in an array of new and diverse tenants, including Time Inc., Hudson's Bay Corp. and Revlon.
Friedrich was appointed CEO of Brookfield in July 2012 following a year as president and global CIO.
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