Opus Expands Capital Capabilities with New Appointment
Opus has recently made a strategic move by hiring Mark Kunkel as Senior Vice President of Capital Formation and Investment Strategy, a position that showcases the company's commitment to enhancing its capital markets team. With Kunkel now at the helm of this division, he will report directly to Pete Conlon, Opus' Chief Financial Officer and head of capital markets, marking a significant organizational change since Conlon's appointment in April.
A Strategic Shift for Opus
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Opus has emerged as a leader in the commercial real estate sector, with nine offices strategically positioned across the country. Recognizing the importance of robust capital strategies, the firm has recently intensified its focus on capital formation, building relationships, and investment strategy — essential areas vital for its long-term growth trajectory. This shift in focus has necessitated a redefinition of the CFO role, giving rise to Kunkel's key leadership position that aims to broaden the company's capital base.
In his new capacity, Kunkel will play a pivotal role in designing, executing, and scaling Opus' investment strategies. His expertise will facilitate a stronger connection between Opus and its institutional investor partners, thus fostering the development of innovative investment vehicles and fund strategies. These initiatives are anticipated to significantly enhance the existing capital base beyond traditional joint venture equity partnerships, therefore driving value creation for the company.
Diverse Experience to Propel Growth
Excitement surrounds Kunkel's appointment, with Pete Conlon expressing confidence in his ability to lead the capital markets group effectively. Kunkel brings with him an impressive 25 years of experience in raising and investing capital across various product types and major U.S. markets. His extensive background is expected to significantly enhance Opus' fund formation strategy and expand its institutional investor base.
Kunkel’s tenure includes leading successful fund strategies and managing investments worth over $3 billion. He has a proven track record of overseeing portfolio management for over 12 million square feet, underscoring his vast knowledge and practicality in the field of commercial real estate investments.
Prior to this role, he successfully led capital formation efforts at Doran Companies, while also holding senior positions at Northmarq Fund Management and AB CarVal Investors, where he developed a keen ability to raise equity development capital and manage investments in real estate.
Vision for the Future
In expressing his enthusiasm about joining Opus, Kunkel remarked on the company’s esteemed reputation within the real estate sector. His excitement about contributing to Opus' evolutionary phase reflects a long-term vision for developing scalable, institutional-grade investment strategies that align with market trends and sophisticated investor expectations.
Kunkel holds an MBA from Harvard Business School along with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Minnesota. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). His active involvement in the industry includes membership in the Urban Land Institute (ULI) National Councils, and he is the founder and chair of the ULI Minnesota Capital Markets Council.
About Opus
Opus is dedicated to excellence in the fields of commercial real estate development, design, and construction. The company operates as a vertically integrated organization, harnessing a multidisciplinary team of experts across various specialties including development, capital markets, finance, and project management. Their project portfolio is diverse, spanning industrial, multifamily residential, office, retail, and institutional segments.
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