Mack-Cali Names Mahbod Nia Chief Executive Officer

On Mar 3, 2021

Mack-Cali Realty Corporation, owner, manager and developer of class A office and luxury multifamily real estate throughout New Jersey, named Mahbod Nia chief executive officer, effective March 8, 2021. Nia, who has served as a director of Mack-Cali since June 2020, will succeed Interim CEO MaryAnne Gilmartin, who will serve as special advisor to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.

With the selection of a permanent CEO, and to allow for the election of an independent board chair in accordance with the applicable NYSE independence guidelines, Gilmartin has stepped down as board chair, and will not run for re-election to the board at the company’s 2021 annual meeting of shareholders. She will remain a director through the annual meeting and return to her full-time role as CEO of MAG Partners. The board has appointed Lead Independent Director Tammy K. Jones, board chair, effective as of March 2, 2021.

Nia’s appointment follows a comprehensive search for a permanent CEO that was conducted by a leading executive search firm, Ferguson Partners LP, in consultation with the board’s search committee. He brings to Mack-Cali more than 20 years of real estate industry experience, most recently having served as chief executive officer of NorthStar Realty Europe Corp. (“NRE”), a NYSE-listed REIT, where he was a member of the investment committee and board of directors. During his tenure at NRE, Nia oversaw a strategic transformation that drove per share net asset value growth of more than 40% through a series of value enhancing property level and corporate initiatives. These initiatives included a major simplification of the business, a reduction in leverage from 58% to 40% loan to value, realization of significant G&A expense savings, and substantial leasing activity across the portfolio, which culminated in the successful sale of NRE to AXA Investment Managers and realizing a 16% IRR.

“The powerful combination of Mahbod’s experience as a successful CEO of a public REIT and deep familiarity with Mack-Cali having served on the Board, will enable him to hit the ground running,” said Jones. “His proven management expertise and track record of creating shareholder value – most recently as CEO of NRE, through repositioning, leasing, and transacting in the sector – make him the ideal executive to lead Mack-Cali forward.”

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank MaryAnne for her steady leadership, navigating Mack-Cali through one of the most uncertain times in history. I am honored that the Bboard has entrusted me to follow in her footsteps and will ensure Mack-Cali continues to make thoughtful, strategic decisions grounded in strong corporate governance and designed to prioritize the needs of its shareholders,” Nia said.

He added, “I am thrilled to lead Mack-Cali through this next chapter. Having worked with the company in my capacity as a Board member, it is clear to me that there are numerous parallels between the situation at Mack-Cali and the one we encountered at NRE. I believe there is substantial value embedded within Mack-Cali, and, together with the board, we are well positioned to navigate the path to unlocking that value for shareholders over time.”

Gilmartin added, “I joined Mack-Cali to drive change in an organization with great potential, and we have done that, meaningfully improving leadership and governance to enhance shareholder value. The achievements of the past year are among the highlights of my career, empowering the company’s talented team to execute the board’s strategy in a safe and productive manner during an unprecedented pandemic. I am pleased to pass the baton to Mahbod and Tammy, and I am confident they will build on this foundation to maximize value for all Mack-Cali stakeholders. I look forward to helping ensure a smooth transition and then returning my full focus to MAG Partners.”

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