Clay Hicks Joins Hilltop Residential as Chief Operating Officer to Drive Growth

Hilltop Residential Welcomes Clay Hicks as New Chief Operating Officer

Hilltop Residential has announced the appointment of Clay Hicks as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective in July. Hicks brings with him over 20 years of experience in multifamily leadership, known for building organizations that perform at high levels and developing top talent within the industry.

Hicks joins Hilltop after a successful tenure at The Dinerstein Companies, where he served as Chief Administrative Officer, following his role as President of TDC Management. During his time there, Hicks was instrumental in transforming the company’s culture, enhancing employee development, and establishing strong operational foundations that fueled significant growth for the organization. Under his guidance, The Dinerstein Companies emerged as a highly respected name in multifamily management, recognized as the top student housing management firm in the nation while also earning a place among the top ten conventional management companies based on resident experience and online reputation.

Before his impressive tenure at The Dinerstein Companies, Hicks held significant leadership roles with Greystar, culminating in his position as Managing Director of the Central South Region. There, he oversaw operations at over 150 properties, managing a total of around 50,000 apartment homes. His extensive background equipped him with the insight and expertise necessary to face the multifamily sector's evolving challenges.

Greg Finch, Founding Partner of Hilltop Residential, expressed enthusiasm over Hicks’ appointment, stating, "We are very excited to have Clay join our team during this period of significant growth. His expertise and industry experience will elevate our operational capabilities at Hilltop, focusing on resident satisfaction, solid property performance, and strategic execution. This is a pivotal time for us, and Clay’s leadership will be invaluable as we leverage new opportunities while maintaining the high standards our residents and investors expect."

Likewise, David Wylie, another Founding Partner of the company, praised Hicks’ reputation within the multifamily arena. He commented on Hicks’ history of leading successful property management firms, highlighting his proven performance and ability to build strong teams and foster meaningful cultures within organizations. Wylie noted, "Clay has built successful property management teams and has maintained high standards of excellence throughout his career. This ability to create a culture of sustained excellence is what excites us the most. We believe he will play a critical role in positioning Hilltop as one of the industry’s premier multifamily operating platforms."

In addition to his corporate achievements, Hicks has been widely acknowledged for his contributions to the multifamily industry. He served as the President of the Houston Apartment Association in 2020, as well as the Texas Apartment Association in 2022, providing crucial leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. His professionalism has not gone unnoticed; he has received numerous awards, including the Houston Apartment Association's Executive of the Year accolade and the prestigious Frank P. Finch Presidential Award from the Texas Apartment Association.

Reflecting on his career, Hicks shared, "Great organizations are built by great people, strong cultures, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Observing Hilltop’s growth and the exceptional culture David and Greg have established has been inspiring. I’m thrilled to collaboratively usher in the next chapter, focusing on cultivating outstanding teams, enhancing culture, and delivering exceptional value to our residents, associates, and investors."

As Chief Operating Officer, Hicks will focus on operational strategy and performance across Hilltop’s expanding portfolio, ensuring the company maintains its high standards while aligning closely with leadership to improve culture and resident experiences.

Hicks’ appointment marks yet another milestone in Hilltop Residential’s growth trajectory as the company consistently invests in crafting outstanding community experiences and building top-tier teams within the multifamily real estate landscape.

About Hilltop Residential

Hilltop Residential is a multifamily real estate owner operating across 15 markets within the southeastern United States. The company adopts a vertically integrated approach, marrying relationship-driven deal sourcing with practical operational guidance to yield superior risk-adjusted returns for its investors. Based in Houston, Texas, Hilltop Residential manages a substantial portfolio currently valued at $3 billion, encompassing 13,300 units.