Team
David Lichtenstein – Chairman
David Lichtenstein is chairman and CEO of The Lightstone Group, the real estate company he founded in 1988. Mr. Lichtenstein personifies The Lightstone Group's commitment to delivering the highest standard of quality, integrity and excellence to its clients. In addition to chairing the board of directors, he is responsible for directing all aspects of the acquisition, financing and management of the company's diverse portfolio of multi-family, hospitality, retail and industrial properties. Mr. Lichtenstein has built a reputation for his ability to acquire and finance real estate opportunities that provide value for investors. Today, his company is one of the largest privately held real estate companies in the United States.
Peyton (Chip) Owen, Jr.-President and Chief Operating Officer
Peyton (Chip) Owen, Jr., is The Lightstone Group's chief operating officer. Leveraging a background that includes more than 25 years in real estate, he is responsible for leading the company's business and geographic operations, executing the company's business strategy and ensuring operational excellence. Prior to joining The Lightstone Group in 2007, Mr. Owen served three years as chief operating officer of Equity Office Properties Trust, where he was instrumental in driving operational excellence at the nation's largest publicly held office building owner and manager. He also spent almost 20 years at Jones Lang LaSalle, becoming chief operating officer of its Americas Region. Mr. Owen has a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia.
Donna Brandin - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Donna Brandin is chief financial officer and treasurer of The Lightstone Group, where she brings over 25 years of experience in leading corporate finance operations. She is also chief financial officer of Lightstone Value Plus REIT. Prior to joining The Lightstone Group in 2008, Ms. Brandin served more than three years as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Equity Residential, the nation's largest publicly traded apartment REIT. Earlier in her career, Ms. Brandin was senior vice president and treasurer of Cardinal Health, and has held leadership positions at Campbell's Soup, Emerson Electric Company and Peabody Holding Company. Ms. Brandin is a certified public accountant and holds a master's degree in finance from St. Louis University and a bachelor's degree from Kutztown University.
Joseph E. Teichman, Esq. - Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Joseph E. Teichman, Esq., is executive vice president and general counsel of The Lightstone Group, where he is responsible for overseeing and managing the legal affairs of the company and its operating entities. He also contributes to the company's overall strategy as a member of the company's executive management team. Prior to joining The Lightstone Group in 2007, Mr. Teichman practiced law for over six years at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, in New York, focusing on corporate finance with an emphasis on leveraged transactions. Mr. Teichman holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a bachelor's degree from Beth Medrash Govoha. He is licensed to practice law in New York and New Jersey.
Eric D. Marx - Senior Vice President, Asset Management and Portfolio Strategy
Eric D. Marx is senior vice president of asset management and portfolio strategy for The Lightstone Group. With over 20 years of experience, he is responsible for the company's asset management, leasing and operations, as well as development and execution of ownership strategies for properties in the company's commercial portfolios. Before joining The Lightstone Group in 2007, Mr. Marx headed the portfolio management group at Equity Office Properties Trust. Earlier in his career, Mr. Marx was director of investments and vice president of asset management for Equity Assets Management, where he played major roles in the growth of the organization leading to its initial public offering as EOP in 1997. Mr. Marx holds a bachelor's degree in economics with a concentration in real estate finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign.
Akiva Elazary - Vice President, Acquisitions
Akiva Elazary is vice president of acquisitions and asset management for The Lightstone Group, with responsibility for all retail and industrial real estate acquisitions nationwide. He also serves as asset manager for the Lightstone Regional Mall Portfolio. Mr. Elazary, who joined the company in 2003, specializes in identifying properties that are undermanaged or undercapitalized yet offer growth potential. Mr. Elazary holds a bachelor's degree from Beth Medrash Govoha and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.