NAREIM Welcomes Andy Walburger as New Chief Executive Officer

In an exciting development for the commercial real estate sector, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers (NAREIM) has appointed Andy Walburger as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 17, 2026. With a formidable career spanning more than 25 years, Walburger is poised to lead NAREIM in its mission to unify institutional investment managers and promote collaboration among industry leaders.

Prior to this new role, Walburger accumulated extensive experience at some highly regarded firms in the real estate data, analytics, and technology fields. His previous positions at Green Street, Juniper Square, and Ten-X have granted him invaluable insights and skills that align closely with NAREIM's objectives. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to creating opportunities for senior leaders to engage with one another, facilitating knowledge exchange that addresses the challenges facing the industry.

One of Walburger's notable achievements includes co-founding Stanford Professionals in Real Estate (SPIRE), which has evolved into a premier forum for thought leadership and collaboration within the real estate sector. This experience will undoubtedly inform his strategies as he leads NAREIM to new heights.

Kristin Renaudin, Chair of the NAREIM Board of Directors and CFO of Stockbridge, expressed her enthusiasm for Walburger's appointment, stating, "Throughout his career, Andy has been dedicated to serving institutional real estate investment managers and creating opportunities for senior leaders to learn from one another. His experience across the industry, combined with his success building executive peer networks, makes him uniquely well suited to lead NAREIM. We are excited to welcome Andy to the NAREIM community and look forward to working with him to advance our mission."

In response to his appointment, Walburger commented, "I am honored to join NAREIM. I understand the value of trusted, candid forums where real estate leaders can collaboratively tackle complex challenges. NAREIM plays a vital role in helping investment managers navigate shared business issues. My predecessors have set a strong foundation, and I look forward to working with the Board, team, and member firms to deepen collaboration and advance our industry."

Walburger takes over from CEO Reesa Fischer, who oversaw significant growth during her tenure. Under her leadership, NAREIM expanded its membership base, increased participation rates among existing members, improved educational programming, and bolstered operational effectiveness—setting the stage for sustained success in the future.

The search for Walburger was conducted by Graham Beatty and Michele Goldstein from Ferguson Partners, NAREIM's long-time partner in executive search and talent management within the real estate industry.

NAREIM, which serves as the exclusive association for institutional real estate investment managers, provides a platform for senior leaders to exchange ideas, benchmark best practices, and address industry challenges collaboratively. By fostering an environment conducive to executive-level engagement, NAREIM plays a crucial role in promoting excellence in real estate investment management.

With Walburger at the helm, NAREIM is well-positioned to continue its mission of bringing together industry experts to discuss pressing matters, collaborate effectively, and elevate the standards of the real estate investment management sector. This new chapter in NAREIM’s history promises exciting growth and opportunity for all stakeholders involved in the industry.