Gencom—a U.S.-based investment firm that owns, operates and develops real estate—has launched a new organizational structure, strategic leadership appointments, and the addition of key talent that position the company for its next phase of growth as a global real estate investment and hospitality platform.
In a statement, the company said that as its global portfolio has grown, the “disciplines” of investing capital and creating value through execution have become increasingly specialized. To support its next phase of strategic growth, the firm has organized its operations into two complementary business lines: Gencom Capital and Gencom Real Estate. Each will have a distinct mandate while working closely together.
Founder and CEO Karim Alibhai will continue to lead Gencom, overseeing both businesses while providing strategic direction across the firm's investment and operating activities.
Founded more than 40 years ago, Gencom's portfolio comprises nearly $8 billion in assets under management and includes 24 owned assets in operation or under development with more than 6,000 hotel rooms worldwide. Its hospitality-driven real estate portfolio includes is operated in partnership with global brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, Auberge Resorts Collection, Fairmont, Hyatt and Marriott.
"Successful real estate platforms are built by combining disciplined investing with exceptional execution," Alibhai said in the statement. "As Gencom continues to grow, this evolution strengthens our leadership, sharpens accountability, and positions us to capitalize on the opportunities ahead while continuing to deliver outstanding outcomes for our investors and partners."
Gencom Capital
Gencom Capital, led by Chief Investment Officer Alessandro Colantonio, will oversee the firm's investment strategy, acquisitions, capital formation and allocation, capital markets, portfolio management and investor relations across its equity and debt platforms.
The firm promoted three long-time members of its investment team. Ignasi Puig was promoted to managing director, acquisitions & investments; Peter Trujillo to managing director, corporate investments; and Blythe Pierre-Louis to managing director, special situations.
Gencom Real Estate
Gencom Real Estate will be led by Donald McGregor, who has been promoted to president of the division. In this leadership role, he will oversee the execution of the firm's strategies across development, construction, and asset management, ensuring disciplined delivery from acquisition through stabilization and exit, while creating long-term value across the portfolio.
Shaun Johnston has been promoted to head of portfolio finance & accounting, Gencom Real Estate. Reporting directly to McGregor, Johnston will lead the finance and accounting team, collaborating closely with the asset management, development and transaction teams.
The firm recently hired Jake Lynch as senior vice president, asset management. Lynch has more than 15 years of hospitality investment, asset management and operational leadership experience.
"Our success has always been driven by exceptional people," McGregor said. "As we continue to grow, we are building a team with the expertise to create value at every stage of the investment lifecycle. Jake is a terrific addition to the Gencom Real Estate platform, and Shaun's promotion reflects the depth of talent we have developed within the firm. Together, they reinforce our ability to cultivate talent, build relationships and deliver measurable results for our investors, partners and stakeholders."
"The strength of any investment platform ultimately comes down to the quality of its people and the clarity of its leadership," Alibhai added. "Today's announcement reflects the exceptional and experienced team we have built over many years and positions Gencom to continue growing while remaining disciplined, entrepreneurial, and focused on creating long-term value for our investors, partners, and guests."