Proskauer announced today that Kevin R. Hackett has joined the firm as a member of the Private Equity Real Estate practice, resident in the New York office. Mr. Hackett’s extensive real estate experience will be a tremendous complement to Proskauer’s robust private equity real estate platform and seasoned team.
Mr. Hackett recently completed a successful four-year term as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Rockefeller Group. He joined The Rockefeller Group in 2004 as Chief Operating Officer of the subsidiary Rockefeller Group Development Corporation, becoming Chief Executive Officer of that company in 2007 and assuming his most recent position in 2009. Among his accomplishments as President and CEO, he helped diversify the company’s development pipeline, and oversaw the establishment of an investment management platform in the U.S. as well as Europe.
“We are very pleased that Kevin will join Proskauer as the next step in his impressive career. His real estate expertise on both the business and investment side is at the highest level and will be a tremendous asset to our clients,” said Proskauer Chairman Joseph M. Leccese.
Mr. Hackett will add to Proskauer’s existing depth in real estate development, domestic and international real estate funds, REITs, securitizations, acquisitions and dispositions, secured lending, telecommunications, restructurings and public/private partnerships.
“The Rockefeller Group broadened its platform by service and geography during Kevin’s tenure,” said Atsushi Nakajima, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of The Rockefeller Group. “We thank him for his many contributions and congratulate him on this next phase of his career.”
Jeffrey Horwitz, Partner and Head of Proskauer’s Private Equity Real Estate Group, stated “Proskauer has a well-established private equity real estate practice and we are at the forefront of real estate investment strategies, advising clients on novel structures. In a climate of continued regulatory change impacting virtually every segment of the market, Kevin’s keen insight into regional and international real estate issues will enhance our already strong service offering.”
Ronald Sernau, Co-Chair of Proskauer’s Real Estate Department, added “Private equity investment in the real estate sector is gaining traction. Our recent handling of over $8 billion in corporate real estate transactions, coupled with the large volume of foreign and institutional capital chasing real estate opportunities, suggest that this activity level will continue. Kevin’s established track record, industry recognition and relationships will help us continue our momentum, while broadening our footprint and enhancing our delivery of services to the sector.”
Before joining The Rockefeller Group, Mr. Hackett was a senior real estate partner at several major law firms. He holds a BA degree from Boston College and a JD from Harvard University. He is a Governor of the Real Estate Board of New York and of the ULI Foundation, a Participating Member of the Partnership for New York City and a member of the Real Estate Roundtable.
