It sets sights on entering new financial services sectors
Commercial real estate leader Greystone has appointed Hazife Gaye Erkan (pictured) as chief executive officer, effective immediately. She assumes the role from founder Steve Rosenberg, who will continue to serve the company as the executive chairman of the board.
Prior to joining Greystone, Erkan was co-CEO, president, and board member at First Republic Bank, helping drive growth in wealth management, deposits, and total assets. She also served as the head of financial institutions group analytics and strategies at Goldman Sachs, advising the boards and executive management teams of various financial institutions.
Erkan will be reporting to Rosenberg, collaborating closely to execute the next phase of Greystone’s expansion. The first part of this vision involves accelerating the firm’s core commercial and multifamily real estate lending and capital markets business, which includes continued commitment to a joint venture with Cushman & Wakefield. They will then focus on expanding into new financial service sectors such as private wealth management and real estate and fintech fund management, along with exploring opportunities in private banking and residential mortgage lending.
“I am thrilled to welcome Gaye to our firm to drive the next generation of investment and innovation as we pursue strategic growth opportunities, both organically and through acquisitions,” said Rosenberg. “She is an inspiring and visionary leader with a successful track record in financial services spanning two decades. She shares our ideals of caring for employees, partners, and clients, and giving back to our communities, and I am excited to partner with her to lead Greystone into a new phase of growth. Together, our ambition is to continue building a world-class organization whose commitment to its clients and employees is second to none.”
“I am honored to become CEO at this exciting moment in Greystone’s history and to serve our clients, partners, and dedicated colleagues,” added Erkan. “I look forward to utilizing my expertise in banking and wealth management to expand Greystone into new areas of financial services and build on the company’s strong foundation in real estate finance. Steve has built an impressive business that does well by doing good, and it is my privilege to work alongside him and Greystone’s very talented leadership team to further that legacy and maintain a people-first culture.”
