Hillwood Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hillwood has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, human resources, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Hillwood is dedicated to developing industrial, commercial, and residential real estate, shaping communities and driving economic growth through strategic development and operational efficiency.

Leadership Roles at Hillwood

  • Chief Financial Officer - Bryan Shahan
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Wesley Williams
  • President - Tal Hicks
  • President, Hillwood Urban - Michael Berry
  • President, Alliance Air & Aviation Services - Christian Childs
  • President - Ralph Rucker
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Jennifer Cheek
  • Chief Information Officer, Hillwood & The Perot Companies - Christopher Nabors
  • Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Administration - Nina Claasen
  • Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive VP, Human Resources Administration Hillwood & Perot Companies - Douglas Dureau
  • Bryan Shahan - Chief Financial Officer

    Bryan Shahan, the Chief Financial Officer at Hillwood, manages all financial operations and strategic financial planning. Overseeing capital allocation, investment analysis, and risk management, Shahan ensures the fiscal health and sustainable growth of the company's diverse real estate portfolio. This critical role involves securing funding for new developments and optimizing financial structures for existing assets. By providing rigorous financial oversight, Bryan Shahan supports the company's ambitious development pipeline and enhances shareholder value. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is fundamental to Hillwood's ability to execute large-scale industrial, commercial, and residential projects across its operational geographies.

    Wesley Williams - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Wesley Williams, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Hillwood, collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer on financial strategy and oversight. Managing financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, Williams ensures fiscal discipline across Hillwood's broad spectrum of real estate projects. This position involves detailed analysis of financial performance and the identification of opportunities for cost optimization and revenue enhancement. By supporting strategic financial decisions, Wesley Williams contributes to the stability and profitability of the company's industrial, commercial, and residential developments. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's analytical acumen is crucial for navigating complex financial landscapes and supporting Hillwood's growth objectives.

    Tal Hicks - President

    Tal Hicks, the President at Hillwood, drives the overall strategic direction and operational execution of the company. Overseeing key business units and fostering cross-functional collaboration, Hicks ensures Hillwood's continued leadership in industrial, commercial, and residential real estate development. This paramount role involves setting ambitious goals, cultivating strategic partnerships, and championing innovation across all development phases. By guiding the organization with a clear vision, Tal Hicks maximizes market opportunities and strengthens Hillwood's reputation for excellence. The President's leadership is instrumental in achieving the company's long-term growth objectives and expanding its footprint in key markets.

    Michael Berry - President, Hillwood Urban

    Michael Berry, the President, Hillwood Urban at Hillwood, leads the strategic development and execution of urban real estate projects. Overseeing all aspects of urban development, from site acquisition to project completion, Berry focuses on creating vibrant mixed-use communities and commercial centers. This leadership position involves identifying prime urban locations, managing complex entitlement processes, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-value properties. By driving innovation in urban planning and design, Michael Berry enhances the company's portfolio and contributes to city revitalization efforts. The President, Hillwood Urban's expertise is critical for capitalizing on opportunities within dynamic metropolitan markets.
    Michael Berry

    Christian Childs - President, Alliance Air & Aviation Services

    Christian Childs, the President, Alliance Air & Aviation Services at Hillwood, directs the strategic operations and growth of the aviation services division. Overseeing flight operations, aircraft management, and client relations, Childs ensures the highest standards of safety and service delivery. This executive role involves expanding the service offerings and market reach of Alliance Air & Aviation Services, catering to diverse client needs. By fostering a culture of excellence and efficiency, Christian Childs strengthens the division's competitive position. The President, Alliance Air & Aviation Services' leadership is key to driving profitability and innovation within the aviation sector.
    Christian Childs

    Ralph Rucker - President

    Ralph Rucker, the President at Hillwood, spearheads the company's strategic initiatives and operational oversight. Guiding the organization through market fluctuations and growth opportunities, Rucker ensures the successful execution of industrial, commercial, and residential development projects. This senior leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and driving performance across all business segments. By maintaining a focus on strategic objectives and operational efficiency, Ralph Rucker reinforces Hillwood's market leadership. The President's vision and management expertise are fundamental to the company's sustained success and expansion.
    Ralph Rucker

    Jennifer Cheek - Chief Marketing Officer

    Jennifer Cheek, the Chief Marketing Officer at Hillwood, directs all marketing initiatives and brand strategy. Overseeing market research and campaign execution, Cheek ensures Hillwood's development projects achieve maximum market penetration and investor interest. This leadership role involves crafting compelling narratives around the company's industrial, commercial, and residential offerings. By analyzing market trends and consumer behavior, Jennifer Cheek drives demand and strengthens the Hillwood brand across all sectors. The Chief Marketing Officer's efforts directly support the company's expansion goals and reinforce its position as a leading real estate developer.

    Christopher Nabors - Chief Information Officer, Hillwood & The Perot Companies

    Christopher Nabors, the Chief Information Officer, Hillwood & The Perot Companies at Hillwood, architects the technology strategy and digital infrastructure for both entities. Overseeing IT operations, cybersecurity, and data management, Nabors ensures robust and scalable technological solutions support Hillwood's extensive industrial, commercial, and residential development activities. This leadership position involves integrating advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation across all business units. By championing digital transformation, Christopher Nabors empowers the organization with cutting-edge tools and secure systems. The Chief Information Officer's focus on technological advancement is vital for maintaining Hillwood's competitive edge in the dynamic real estate market.

    Nina Claasen - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Administration

    Nina Claasen, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Administration at Hillwood, provides comprehensive administrative support to senior human resources leadership. Managing complex schedules, coordinating executive communications, and facilitating key HR initiatives, Claasen ensures the smooth operation of the human resources department. This role is integral to supporting the strategic objectives related to talent management and organizational development within Hillwood's expansive real estate operations. By maintaining efficient administrative processes, Nina Claasen enables the HR team to focus on critical functions that foster employee engagement and support the company's growth across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.

    Douglas Dureau - Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive VP, Human Resources Administration Hillwood & Perot Companies

    Douglas Dureau, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive VP, Human Resources Administration Hillwood & Perot Companies at Hillwood, directs all human capital strategies and HR operations for both organizations. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, Dureau cultivates a high-performance culture essential for Hillwood's extensive industrial, commercial, and residential development endeavors. This executive role involves aligning HR policies with business objectives to attract, retain, and develop top talent across diverse markets. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Douglas Dureau ensures a motivated and skilled workforce. The Chief Human Resources Officer's leadership is pivotal in supporting Hillwood's continued expansion and operational excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hillwood Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hillwood?
    Hillwood is led by Bryan Shahan (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Wesley Williams (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Tal Hicks (President).
    Who is part of Hillwood’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hillwood includes leaders such as Bryan Shahan (Chief Financial Officer), Wesley Williams (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Tal Hicks (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hillwood have?
    Hillwood has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hillwood’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hillwood includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, President, Hillwood Urban, President, Alliance Air & Aviation Services.