Ron Pressman selected to be ULI’s Global Chief Executive Officer.
The Urban Land Institute is pleased to announce that its next Global CEO will be Ron Pressman, who most recently was the CEO of TIAA Institutional Financial Services. Ron has held several CEO roles across GE and TIAA’s various financial services, asset management, energy, and real estate businesses. Ron has also served on several non-profit boards and is deeply committed to ULI’s three priorities – decarbonization, housing and educating the next generation of diverse leaders.
“We are incredibly excited to have Ron assume leadership of ULI. He brings exceptional management experience, real estate acumen, and a global perspective to the role. Ron is well-positioned to accelerate our efforts to advance our mission.”, stated ULI’s Global Chair, Peter Ballon, the Global Head of Real Estate at CPP Investments.
ULI’s Global Board unanimously approved Ron after completing a comprehensive search process led by an international search committee supported by Ferguson Partners. The committee reviewed an extensive and diverse list of potential candidates from around the globe interested in the role.
In confirming Mr. Pressman as ULI’s next CEO, the committee was impressed with his global executive leadership, which included more than 25 years in CEO roles, and his diverse sector experience, including more than seven years of real estate experience leading GE’s Capital Real Estate business. Earlier in his career, he spent six years based in Europe and led GE businesses in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, affording him a clear view of the opportunities related to global growth and talent. And through his leadership roles at TIAA, he developed significant experience dealing with membership organizations. Most importantly, the committee appreciated his passion for ULI’s mission.
“I have always seen ULI as a leader and change agent for the built environment and communities worldwide. I am eager to work with the members and staff to build on the progress of the mission priorities and expand ULI’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion as a force for creating thriving communities for the future. ULI is especially well situated to lead on issues such as educating the next generation of diverse real estate leaders, accelerating the path to net zero, and improving housing attainability. These issues are critical to our communities, and ULI can truly make a visible difference.”, stated Mr. Pressman.
Ron will assume the CEO role effective October 10, 2022, replacing on that date W. Edward Walter, who had announced his intention to retire this past April. ULI is particularly grateful for Mr. Walter’s leadership over the last four years. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, he leaves a more focused and aligned organization that benefits from a larger membership and a significantly improved financial position. We expect Mr. Pressman to build on that success over the next several years.