First Investors, the real estate investment affiliate of First Hospitality, appoints Marissa Ballan as executive vice president of investments and capital markets. In this role, Ballan will lead nationwide acquisition efforts targeting branded, independent lifestyle hotels and premium select-service assets.
With more than 20 years of experience, Ballan will oversee equity and debt capital sourcing across institutional, family office, high-net-worth, and retail investors, while cultivating and expanding limited partner relationships. She will also manage the full investment lifecycle, including fundraising, underwriting, due diligence, financing, negotiations and closings.
“Marissa is a great addition to First Investors,” First Investors CEO David Duncan said in a statement. “Her deep background in real estate investment, asset management, and Wall Street, combined with her ability to execute complex transactions and enhance value, will amplify our investment strategy and support our stakeholders for the long term.”
Most recently, Ballan served as head of development for Radisson Blu, leading the brand’s growth in the Americas.
Ballan has held senior investment and development roles at citizenM Hotels, including vice president of global investment management, where she oversaw a multi-billion-dollar portfolio. She has extensive experience sourcing, underwriting, structuring, and executing high-value developments, joint ventures, acquisitions, and dispositions, with prior leadership roles at citizenM, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and other investment and advisory firms. She began her career at JPMorgan in investment banking and high-yield research, covering homebuilding, gaming, and lodging.
“Marissa’s thoughtful approach to investment, operations, and brand strategy will further strengthen our ability to execute at scale while maintaining our commitment to excellence,” added Sam Schwartz, executive chairman of First Investors. “As we continue to grow, her experience will be fundamental to delivering sustained, superior returns for our partners and shareholders.”
Ballan was recognized as one of Hospitality Management Magazine’s 2024 Influential Women in Hospitality. She serves as a board member of the Travel Industry Executive Women’s Network and as Programming Committee Deputy Chair for WX – New York Women Executives in Real Estate.