Longstanding URG Team Members Named to New Executive Leadership Roles
Seattle, WA December 14th, 2023 – Commercial real estate firm Urban Renaissance Group LLC (www.urbanrengroup.com) (URG) today announced the promotion of two key executives.
Matthew Simo, who has been with URG for seventeen years, has been named President. Shawn Jackson, who has held various roles at URG for over twelve years, is now Executive Vice President, Asset Operations. These strategic moves are part of a broader strategy designed to position the company for sustained growth in the dynamic real estate market.
Matthew Simo, President & Chief Investment Officer
With an impressive track record at URG, Simo has been instrumental in driving the company’s investment strategies and execution. Simo will continue to serve as Chief Investment Officer and, in his expanded role as President, he will work closely with URG Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Patrick Callahan, leveraging his extensive experience and thoughtful leadership to guide the company through its next phase of growth and expansion.
“In his role as President, Matthew and I will work together to execute URG’s growth strategy with a focus on acquisitions, development, and asset management, which are all key components of the URG business plan,” said Callahan.
Simo joined the team just two months after the founding of the company in 2006 and has since held various leadership roles within the organization. His strategic thinking and innovative approach have been pivotal in enhancing the company’s portfolio and building its reputation as a best-in-class operating partner.
As an active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and lecturer for the University of Washington’s Commercial Real Estate Certificate Program, Simo holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Development Program in Real Estate at Harvard University.
“I am honored to take on the role of President at Urban Renaissance Group,” said Simo. “This is an exciting time for our company, and I look forward to working closely with our talented team and board of directors to build resiliency, drive growth, and explore new opportunities.”
Shawn Jackson, Executive Vice President, Asset Operations
Jackson brings over 35 years of industry experience to his new role as Executive Vice President, Asset Operations in which he will have broad responsibilities relative to the operating company including Property Management, Project Management, and Engineering.
‘As the needs of tenants continue to evolve, Shawn’s expanded role will be keenly focused on managing the company-wide operational platform and working with our broader team to respond to the new era of tenant experience expectations and space utilization. Shawn’s extensive experience in asset operations will enable him to respond effectively to the needs of both our tenants and our partners,’ said Callahan.
Jackson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Idaho. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Seattle Association and also serves on the Policy Committee. Jackson is also a past member of the Seattle Sports Commission Board and previously held a position as BOMA Board Member.
“I am excited to step into this new, expanded role with a continued focus on strong operational oversight as well as exceptional stewardship of the built environment. We must continue to focus on changing expectations and delivering exceptional tenant experiences,’ said Jackson.
Positioned for opportunity
Over the next few years, the market will reset providing a historic opportunity for real estate investments for office product types. URG is poised to acquire office properties at deep discounts when compared to pre-pandemic values. These leadership changes enable the company to quickly respond to opportunities in the market.
Since inception in 2006, URG has grown their platform to nearly 14 million square feet and has assembled a team of over 200 employees.
About Urban Renaissance Group
Urban Renaissance Group LLC is a Seattle-based full-service commercial real estate company, engaged in acquisitions, development, asset management, leasing, property management and ownership in Seattle, Bellevue, Denver, and Portland. Founded in 2006, the strategic premise of Urban Renaissance Group (URG) is that the form of the American City is changing. URG acts as a catalyst that understands and ignites that change, thereby building community, generating appropriate returns for its investors and opportunities for its partners and employees. Learn more at www.urbanrengroup.com.
