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Richard Kessler

Richard Kessler is Chief Operating Officer of Benenson Capital Partners in New York. With broad experience in all areas of real estate acquisition, disposition, development, leasing and management – as well as extensive finance and capital market expertise – Mr. Kessler is an integral member of the Benenson Capital Partners (BCP) management team. He has been with the Benenson family since 1977 and during his three decades with the firm, has worked in a variety of areas including development, finance, and acquisition. In 1989, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director and nine years later, Chief Operating Officer. As Chief Operating Officer and a member of BCP’s investment committee, Mr. Kessler is the senior officer responsible for developing the company’s strategic direction. He is in charge of all day-to-day operations and has been responsible for completing over $2 billion of real estate transactions worldwide. In addition to his executive management responsibilities, he is also a key leader in developing, evaluating and pursuing the company’s investment, development, joint venture and financing opportunities.

Educational Achievements and Memberships:

  • Harvard University - Completed the Advanced Management Development Program (AMDP) and several real estate programs including Running A Real Estate Company.
  • New York University - Degree in real estate finance and investment analysis; received the Mortgage Banker’s Scholarship Award.
  • Boston University - Undergraduate degree in finance and accounting.
  • International Advisory Board for the Real Estate Academic Initiative at Harvard University.
  • Co-chairman of the AMDP alumni advisory committee of the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University.
  • Faculty member of the Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development and Investment Program at New York University; co-chair of its Capital Markets Conference.
  • Member of the Executive Committee and co-chairman of the membership committee of the Urban Land Institute/New York District Council.
  • Member of the Real Estate Roundtable, Young Men’s/Women’s Real Estate Association, New York Real Estate Board and the New York University Real Estate Round Table.
  • Member of the Board of Directors of the School of American Ballet; serves as co-Chairman of its Corporate Advisory Board.
  • Formerly, a top fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.