Cohen & Steers Announces Upcoming Retirement of General Counsel Francis C. Poli

Cohen & Steers Announces Retirement of General Counsel

Cohen & Steers, Inc., a prominent global investment manager, has made a significant announcement regarding a leadership transition within its ranks. Francis C. Poli, the Executive Vice President and General Counsel, is set to retire in the first quarter of 2027. This retirement marks the conclusion of an impressive 40-year career in financial services, of which he has spent the last 20 years at Cohen & Steers.

Brian W. Heller, who currently serves as the Deputy General Counsel, will take over the responsibilities from Mr. Poli. This change comes at a critical time as Cohen & Steers continues to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape and aims for sustainable growth.

Joseph Harvey, the Chief Executive Officer of Cohen & Steers, expressed his gratitude to Mr. Poli, stating, "Frank has been instrumental to the growth of Cohen & Steers," underscoring the foundational role Poli played as a trusted advisor to both the firm's founders and its executive team. Harvey praised Mr. Poli’s sound judgment, ethical leadership, and the positive cultural impact he fostered within the organization.

Under Poli's leadership, the Legal and Compliance team has developed a reputation for being collaborative and innovative. Harvey also expressed confidence in Brian Heller’s capability to lead the Legal Compliance department, as he transitions to a more prominent role on the Executive Committee.

Martin Cohen, the Chairman of Cohen & Steers, also offered his congratulations to Mr. Poli and emphasized the importance of his contributions to the firm’s success since joining in 2007. Cohen highlighted Poli's pivotal role in establishing strong corporate governance, which has been crucial for Cohen & Steers as a public company.

Brian Heller’s journey within Cohen & Steers began in 2018 as Senior Vice President, Corporate Counsel. Over the years, his capabilities and leadership have been recognized, with his advance to Deputy General Counsel in January 2025. Heller's diverse experience prior to joining Cohen & Steers includes being the Managing Director and Chief Counsel of Investment Banking at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, along with serving as Legal Head of Investment Banking at its parent company, Stifel Financial Corporation.

Cohen & Steers that was founded in 1986, specializes in real assets and alternative income, which includes a mix of publicly traded and private real estate, preferred securities, resource equities, and multi-strategy solutions. The firm has established itself as a leader in the investment management sector and is dedicated to innovation and excellence.

As Mr. Poli prepares for retirement, the leadership at Cohen & Steers remains focused on continuity and growth. The meticulous succession planning process that identified Heller as Mr. Poli's successor illustrates the firm’s commitment to maintaining stability during this transition.

With this transformation, Cohen & Steers is poised to continue delivering top-tier services while evolving within an ever-changing financial environment. The firm operates from its headquarters in New York City, and has expanded its reach globally with offices in notable financial centers including London, Dublin, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Singapore.

The official retirement of Francis C. Poli marks not just the end of a career for him, but also a new chapter for Cohen & Steers as it adapts and thrives under new leadership. The industry's eye will remain focused on how these changes will shape the future of the firm and its market contributions in the years to come.