John Gonnella Joins Starwood Capital as Head of U.S. Asset Management in Strategic Leadership Move

Starwood Capital Welcomes John Gonnella

Starwood Capital Group, a major player in the global private investment landscape, recently declared the appointment of John Gonnella as Senior Managing Director and Head of U.S. Asset Management, effective April 20, 2026. This strategic move signals the firm's ongoing commitment to enhancing its leadership team and boosting its real estate assets management strategy across the United States.

Mr. Gonnella brings with him two decades of extensive experience in real estate investment and asset management, having demonstrated a solid track record in steering value creation within complex portfolios valued in the billions. His leadership is expected to significantly augment Starwood Capital’s ability to navigate the nuanced landscape of real estate.

Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital, expressed enthusiasm about Gonnella's appointment, stating, "I am pleased to welcome John to Starwood Capital. John shares our commitment to excellence and execution, and our unwavering focus on value creation." His rich expertise in managing varied real estate portfolios will undoubtedly be a valuable asset not just for Starwood's teams but also for their investment partners.

Before joining Starwood Capital, Gonnella honed his skills at Centerbridge Partners. There, he played a pivotal role in the asset management strategy over a diversified real estate portfolio, including a significant tenure as Senior Managing Director. His previous experience as Vice President with Northwood Investors involved directly overseeing real estate investments, strategic asset management, and a focus on multifamily and retail segments.

Jonathan Pollack, President of Starwood Capital, echoed similar sentiments, noting Gonnella's hands-on approach as a catalyst for robust performance across diverse market cycles. Pollack commented, "John's disciplined, hands-on approach to driving strong performance across asset classes and market cycles will have an immediate positive impact for our team."

Upon his appointment, Gonnella stated, "I have long admired Starwood Capital's visionary leadership across the global real estate investment landscape." He expressed eagerness to contribute to the firm's success and create lasting value across a variety of asset classes.

Furthermore, Gonnella boasts a diverse background that includes board membership on several significant multi-asset real estate and consumer businesses. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University, underscoring his commitment to education and professional growth.

About Starwood Capital Group

Starwood Capital Group, founded in 1991, specializes in investing in real assets globally and has amassed over $90 billion in capital since its inception. Currently managing assets exceeding $125 billion, Starwood Capital has diversified its investments across various real estate categories worldwide. With an ongoing emphasis on opportunistic strategies, the company adeptly shifts asset classes and geographical focuses to align with evolving market dynamics.

Starwood Capital’s extensive portfolio also includes the Starwood Property Trust (NYSE STWD), the largest commercial mortgage REIT in the U.S., which has deployed $112 billion since its inception, managing over $30 billion in debt and equity investments. This multifaceted approach to real estate management illustrates Starwood Capital's leadership in the real estate sector, ensuring continued growth and success in the industry.

In conclusion, John Gonnella's arrival at Starwood Capital represents a strategic addition to the firm's leadership, promising a new chapter of innovation and excellence in asset management. The real estate landscape can anticipate positive advancements under his seasoned guidance and the robust framework of Starwood Capital Group.