Seasoned Real Estate Executive Chris Papa Appointed Chief Financial Officer Effective February 23, 2026; Company Reaffirms Full-Year 2025 AFFO Outlook
ATLANTA, Jan. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: COLD), a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics, real estate, and value-added services, today announced that Christopher (“Chris”) Papa will join the Company as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective Monday, February 23, 2026.
Papa is a highly regarded public-company finance leader with nearly 40 years of experience across real estate, accounting, tax, investor relations and corporate finance. He currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at CenterPoint Properties, a leading developer, owner and manager of industrial real estate. His prior experience includes CFO roles at both Post Properties and Liberty Property Trust, reflecting a strong track record of leading finance functions at large, publicly traded real estate platforms. He began his career in public accounting, is a CPA, and later served as an audit partner at BDO and Arthur Andersen. Americold engaged Ferguson Partners to assist with the CFO appointment.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to the Americold leadership team as our next CFO,” said Rob Chambers, Chief Executive Officer of Americold. “His extensive real estate experience and strong financial acumen align well with our strategic focus as we continue to execute against our 2026 priorities and position the Company for future growth. Chris is well known to the investment community and will play a key role in strengthening our balance sheet, supporting disciplined capital allocation, and helping to drive long-term value creation for our shareholders.”
As part of the transition, Jay Wells, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has departed the Company. During the transition period, Scott Henderson, Americold’s Chief Investment Officer, will serve as Interim Chief Financial Officer until Papa’s appointment becomes effective.
“We appreciate Jay’s contributions to Americold over the past two years,” Chambers said. “He has built a strong finance team, and I wish him well in his future endeavors. Scott has a deep understanding of Americold’s business, and we expect his experience and leadership will bring continuity across our finance organization during this brief interim period.”
Americold also announced that Nathan Harwell, Chief Legal Officer, will assume the expanded role of Chief People Officer, in addition to his current responsibilities. As Chief Legal and People Officer, Harwell will oversee the Company’s Legal, Compliance, and Human Resources functions, supporting Americold’s commitment to associate engagement and organizational alignment. Harwell’s background in leading diverse teams positions him well to support Americold’s long-term strategic priorities.
“As we continue to execute our 2026 plan, these leadership alignments strengthen our ability to support our customers and associates across our global network,” Chambers concludes.
Reaffirming 2025 AFFO Outlook
The Company expects to deliver fourth-quarter AFFO per share of between $0.36 – $0.38, consistent with its previously issued 2025 outlook as communicated on November 6, 2025. Americold will release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on February 19, 2026.
About Americold
Americold (NYSE: COLD) is a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics and real estate, with a more than 120-year legacy of innovation and reliability. With more than 230 facilities across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and South America – totaling approximately 1.4 billion refrigerated cubic feet – Americold ensures the safe, efficient movement of refrigerated products worldwide.
Americold’s facilities are an integral part of the global food supply chain, connecting producers, processors, distributors, and retailers with tailored, value-added services supported by responsive and reliable supply chains. Leveraging deep industry expertise, smart technology, and sustainable practices, Americold delivers worldclass service that creates lasting value for customers and the communities it serves. Learn more at www.americold.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements about future events and expectations that constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future financial and operating performance and growth plans, taking into account the information currently available to us.
Contacts:
Americold Realty Trust, Inc.
Investor Relations
Telephone: 678-459-1959
Email: [email protected]
Media Relations
Telephone: 762-821-9631
Email: [email protected]