AEW Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

AEW has 6 executives leading key functions including investment management, operational oversight, financial strategy, and technology infrastructure.

Focused on delivering superior real estate investment solutions, AEW maintains a commitment to institutional excellence and long-term value creation for global investors through disciplined market analysis and strategic asset management.

Leadership Roles at AEW

  • Director and Chief Financial Officer - Seth Berger
  • Chief Operating Officer - Lauren O'Neil
  • Chief Operating Officer (APAC) - Jean-Philippe Gaudin
  • Chief Technology Officer, Office Co-op - Riya Krishna
  • Managing Director - Adam Schwank
  • Managing Director - Anthony Crooks
  • Seth Berger - Director and Chief Financial Officer

    Seth Berger, the Director and Chief Financial Officer at AEW, manages the firm's financial health, including capital structure, reporting, and fiscal planning. Overseeing all accounting functions, the Director and Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with regulatory standards and internal financial controls. This leadership role involves providing critical financial insights to the board to guide investment decisions. By maintaining rigorous oversight of the firm's balance sheet, Seth Berger supports the long-term financial stability of the organization. Berger coordinates with external auditors and financial institutions to manage liquidity and capital requirements. The Director and Chief Financial Officer drives the development of financial strategies that align with the firm's growth objectives. This position requires constant monitoring of market volatility and its impact on the firm's financial position. Ultimately, Berger secures the fiscal integrity of the company, ensuring that all financial operations support the broader mission of providing superior real estate investment services.
    Seth Berger

    Lauren O'Neil - Chief Operating Officer

    Lauren O'Neil, the Chief Operating Officer at AEW, directs internal business operations and organizational scaling initiatives. Overseeing the integration of cross-functional teams, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless execution of corporate policies and administrative workflows. This leadership role involves optimizing internal resources to support the firm's real estate investment management services. By refining operational protocols, Lauren O'Neil enhances productivity across all departments. O'Neil collaborates with the executive team to implement strategic initiatives that improve overall firm efficiency. The Chief Operating Officer monitors key performance indicators to track progress against organizational goals. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, O'Neil drives the firm's ability to scale effectively in a competitive market. This position requires constant oversight of internal systems and processes to maintain high operational standards. Ultimately, O'Neil secures the firm's operational foundation, enabling sustained growth and consistent service delivery for all institutional clients.

    Jean-Philippe Gaudin - Chief Operating Officer (APAC)

    Jean-Philippe Gaudin, the Chief Operating Officer (APAC) at AEW, directs all operational activities across the Asia-Pacific region. Overseeing regional expansion and local market integration, the Chief Operating Officer (APAC) ensures that the firm's investment management services meet the specific needs of the APAC market. This leadership role involves managing regional teams and coordinating with global headquarters to maintain consistent operational standards. By optimizing regional workflows, Jean-Philippe Gaudin enhances the firm's ability to capture growth opportunities in diverse Asian markets. Gaudin monitors regional economic trends to inform strategic planning and risk management. The Chief Operating Officer (APAC) drives the execution of regional business objectives, ensuring alignment with the firm's global mission. This position requires constant engagement with local partners and regulatory bodies. Ultimately, Gaudin secures the firm's footprint in the APAC region, fostering sustainable growth and delivering high-quality investment management services to regional clients.
    Jean-Philippe Gaudin

    Riya Krishna - Chief Technology Officer, Office Co-op

    Riya Krishna, the Chief Technology Officer, Office Co-op at AEW, directs the firm's digital transformation and technological infrastructure. Overseeing the implementation of advanced data analytics platforms, the Chief Technology Officer, Office Co-op ensures that investment teams have access to real-time market intelligence. This leadership role involves modernizing internal systems to improve data security and operational efficiency. By integrating innovative software solutions, Riya Krishna supports the firm's ability to process complex real estate data. Krishna collaborates with other executives to align technology investments with the firm's strategic goals. The Chief Technology Officer, Office Co-op manages the development of proprietary tools that enhance portfolio management capabilities. Through continuous technological advancement, Krishna drives the firm's digital maturity. This position requires constant evaluation of emerging technologies to maintain a competitive advantage. Ultimately, Krishna secures the firm's technological future, enabling more informed decision-making and improved service delivery for all global investors.

    Adam Schwank - Managing Director

    Adam Schwank, the Managing Director at AEW, directs high-level real estate investment strategies across diverse property portfolios. Overseeing complex capital allocation, the Managing Director identifies emerging market opportunities to maximize investor returns. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with institutional partners to refine asset acquisition frameworks. By leveraging deep industry expertise, Adam Schwank ensures the firm maintains a competitive edge in the North American real estate sector. Schwank monitors macroeconomic trends to adjust portfolio positioning, thereby mitigating risk while capturing growth. Through rigorous financial modeling and strategic oversight, the Managing Director drives the firm's commitment to excellence. This position requires constant interaction with the investment committee to approve large-scale transactions. Ultimately, Schwank secures the long-term stability of managed assets by implementing robust investment policies that align with the broader corporate mission of delivering consistent performance.

    Anthony Crooks - Managing Director

    Anthony Crooks, the Managing Director at AEW, manages large-scale real estate development projects and portfolio optimization initiatives. Focusing on operational efficiency, the Managing Director streamlines asset management processes to enhance property performance. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional teams to execute value-add strategies across commercial and residential sectors. By analyzing market data, Anthony Crooks identifies underperforming assets and implements corrective measures to improve yield. Crooks maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with investment objectives. The Managing Director oversees the lifecycle of various real estate holdings, from acquisition through disposition. Through proactive management, Crooks drives significant growth in portfolio valuation. This role demands a deep understanding of local market dynamics and regulatory environments. Ultimately, Crooks strengthens the firm's market position by delivering reliable results and maintaining high standards of asset quality throughout the entire investment lifecycle.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AEW Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AEW?
    AEW is led by Seth Berger (Director and Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Lauren O'Neil (Chief Operating Officer) and Jean-Philippe Gaudin (Chief Operating Officer (APAC)).
    Who is part of AEW’s executive team?
    The executive team of AEW includes leaders such as Seth Berger (Director and Chief Financial Officer), Lauren O'Neil (Chief Operating Officer), Jean-Philippe Gaudin (Chief Operating Officer (APAC)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AEW have?
    AEW has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AEW’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AEW includes roles such as Director and Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer (APAC), Chief Technology Officer, Office Co-op, Managing Director.