#United States #Los Angeles #CEO #Rexford Industrial #Laura Clark

Leadership Transition at Rexford Industrial

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc., which operates as a prominent real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in industrial properties in Southern California, has initiated a significant leadership change as part of its succession plan. Laura Clark, currently serving as Chief Operating Officer, will step into the role of Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2026. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution and reflects a strategic and prepared approach to leadership transition.

The Goals of the Leadership Change

The transition plan was announced on November 18, 2025, by the Rexford Industrial Board of Directors. It indicates a forward-thinking mindset aimed at ensuring continuity in leadership as well as strategic growth for the company. Laura Clark, who joined Rexford in 2020 as Chief Financial Officer, possesses extensive experience in the real estate sector, making her well-qualified for her upcoming role.

Clark’s appointment will see her succeeding Co-CEOs Michael Frankel and Howard Schwimmer, who will leave their dual CEO roles on March 31, 2026. Both Frankel and Schwimmer will remain as directors on the Board until the company’s next Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2026. They played an instrumental role in the company’s substantial growth, transforming Rexford from a modest 5.5 million square feet of industrial property into a hefty 51-million-square-foot portfolio valued at nearly $10 billion today.

Laura Clark: Background and Experience

Laura Clark has built a robust profile over her 20-plus years in the finance and operational domain within real estate. Her previous roles include leadership positions at publicly-traded retail REIT Regency Centers, where she focused on capital markets. She holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from DePaul University and earned an MBA from Ball State University, alongside her Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Her comprehensive understanding of financial operations and capital management in the real estate market positions her uniquely to lead Rexford through its next chapter.

Tyler Rose, Chairman of the Board, expressed confidence in Clark's ability to navigate the company’s future, citing her strategic vision and commitment to operational excellence. He emphasized that the Board has been systematically working towards this leadership transition to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities.

Acknowledging the Departing Leadership

In reflecting on their time leading the company, Frankel and Schwimmer expressed pride in the team's achievements and the entrepreneurial approach adopted by Rexford. They acknowledged their gratitude towards the Rexford team for their contributions in positioning the company for long-term shareholder value creation.

Focus on Shareholder Value

Alongside the leadership change, Rexford Industrial also unveiled its strategic and financial priorities geared towards enhancing shareholder value. This includes refining its capital allocation strategy and elevating operational efficiency within the company as part of its commitment to providing long-term value to shareholders.

Clark, in her remarks following the announcement, expressed her eagerness to implement new strategies that will further enhance value creation for Rexford's stakeholders while thanking her predecessors for their leadership and vision.

The Path Forward

With this leadership change, Rexford Industrial is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory in Southern California’s robust industrial market, which is known for high demand and constrained supply. Clark’s upcoming leadership will focus on leveraging the company’s strengths and exploring new opportunities to bolster its portfolio and operational capabilities.

In conclusion, the leadership transition at Rexford Industrial illustrates a strategic approach to governance that should enhance its competitive advantage in the real estate sector, fostering continued success in the face of evolving market challenges and opportunities.