Oxford Properties Group has made a series of leadership changes, with Chad Remis promoted into the newly created position of chief investment officer. 

The firm also nominated six new members to its expanded global executive committee, including the promotion of Liz Murphy to chief financial officer.

Remis previously led Oxford’s North American business as executive vice-president of North America, which encompasses 75 per cent of its deployed capital.

He has served in progressively senior roles during his 10-year career at Oxford and led a retooling of its North American portfolio by deploying significant capital into high-conviction investment strategies across industrial, multifamily, life sciences and credit. 

Remis also oversaw record-setting dispositions including the sale of Royal Bank Plaza in Toronto, St. John’s Terminal in New York and One Memorial in Boston, all of which were the largest single-asset office transactions of the year in their respective markets. 

Murphy has performed the dual roles of senior vice-president of finance at Oxford and global head of tax at its parent company OMERS for almost five years. In addition to the CFO promotion, she also joins Oxford’s executive committee. 

She has been mentored for the role by Allison Wolfe, Oxford’s outgoing CFO and global head of portfolio management, who will be leaving the organization in September.

Also joining the executive committee are: 

• Alessandro Fiascaris, head of Asia Pacific;
• Claire McIntyre, head of corporate and public affairs;
• Nu Suwankosai, head of global credit;
• Randy Hoffman, EVP North American investments; and
• Tyler Seaman, EVP Canada.

Armstrong to become Slate Office REIT CFO

Slate Office REIT (SOT-UN-T) has named Robert Armstrong, partner and chief operating officer of Slate Asset Management, chief financial officer of Slate Office REIT.

Armstrong will replace Charles Peach, who is stepping down effective Aug. 17.

Armstrong brings over two decades of experience in corporate finance, financial reporting and capital markets in North America and Europe.

He previously served as CFO of the REIT from 2015 to 2019 and has actively supported the REIT’s growth and operations as a member of the senior leadership team of Slate Asset Management over the past four years.

Prior to joining Slate, Armstrong was a partner in the real estate practice of Deloitte LLP in Toronto, where he was also on the executive committee for the Toronto assurance practice and was Deloitte’s Canadian IPO leader.

Previously, he worked at Brookfield Asset Management in various treasury, finance and financial reporting positions.

Armstrong is a CPA and CA, and holds an honours bachelor of business administration from Wilfrid Laurier University.

“On behalf of the entire board, I’d like to thank Charles for his many contributions during his tenure as CFO,” Monty Baker, the REIT’s board chair, said in the announcement.

“The REIT has greatly benefited from his leadership, expertise and forward-thinking, particularly as the business has navigated a volatile and rapidly evolving macroeconomic environment. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Waterfront Toronto board names Winberg chair

Jack Winberg has been appointed chair of the board of directors of Waterfront Toronto.

He brings a range of experience and knowledge to the position following a career in law, land use and development. Currently the CEO of Rockport Group, he is also a founding director of ClubLink Corp., and continues as a director of TWC Enterprises.

Winberg has served on Waterfront Toronto's board since June 2019.

He has extensive experience as a director of both public and private companies including as the chair of Revenue Properties Co. Ltd., before it was taken private by Morguard Corp. 

He is a member of the board of the Mount Sinai Hospital, a past-president of the Urban Development Institute of Canada and a past-chair of the Urban Development Institute (Ontario) now BILD.

He succeeds Stephen Diamond, who departed from the board June 30 after many years of service.

Davis, Almeida earn promotions at Avison Young

Avison Young has promoted Ted Davis to become its chief operating officer, Canada, a newly created role within the firm. 

Based in Toronto, Davis moves into the Canadian COO role with almost 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, including 13 years as managing director of Avison Young’s Southwestern Ontario region, later adding the Toronto West office. 

The firm also announced Joe Almeida, managing director of Avison Young’s Toronto office, will step into the role of managing director, Ontario. 

Almeida will support Davis, allowing him to continue with his responsibilities as managing director, Toronto West, in addition to his role as COO.

Pratt succeeds Lalonde as president at MLA Canada

Real estate advisory, sale and marketing firm MLA Canada has named Randy Pratt the company's new president. He succeeds Ryan Lalonde, MLA’s co-founder who has been serving as president/CEO. 

Pratt joined MLA Canada on July 10, bringing extensive experience from his role as president of Adera Capital Corp. over the past 12 years.

He will be charged with fostering innovation, driving expansion into new geographies and continuing to build on the company's reputation. 

Lalonde will transition into a role that focuses on leveraging his skills, expertise and long-term vision for the company.

Alongside co-founder Cameron McNeill, Lalonde will prioritize client relationships, the firm states in the announcement.

Norton becomes partner at Sky View Suites

Corporate housing provider Sky View Suites has appointed Cliff Norton as partner. With a career in the relocation industry spanning two decades, Norton brings extensive knowledge and leadership to his new role.

Norton's track record includes leadership positions at hospitality companies, where he spearheaded initiatives to drive growth, optimize guest experiences and establish strategic partnerships.