Starwood Capital Group Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Starwood Capital Group has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and finance.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Starwood Capital Group focuses on real estate investment, leveraging deep market expertise to deliver value and achieve strategic growth across diverse portfolios.

Leadership Roles at Starwood Capital Group

  • Chairman & CEO - Barry Sternlicht
  • Chief of Staff & Barry Sterlnicht) Founder & Chief Executive Officer - David Volfson
  • Managing Director, Global Chief Financial Officer of Funds - Christopher Lowthert
  • Funds Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer - Jeff Allen
  • Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer - Nicholas Antonopoulos
  • Chief Operating Officer & Senior Managing Director - Andrew Sossen
  • Chief of Staff & President, Jonathan Pollack) - Jack Laurent
  • President - Jonathan Pollack
  • Chief Technology Officer & Managing Director - Oleg Olovyannikov
  • Barry Sternlicht - Chairman & CEO

    Barry Sternlicht, the Chairman & CEO at Starwood Capital Group, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the firm. This leadership role involves guiding investment decisions across all asset classes and geographic regions, ensuring alignment with the company's core mission of real estate investment. The Chairman & CEO oversees the executive team, fostering a culture of performance and innovation. Sternlicht's strategic direction shapes the firm's market positioning and drives its expansion into new opportunities. This executive function is critical for maintaining Starwood Capital Group's competitive edge in the global finance sector. The Chairman & CEO's responsibilities include cultivating key investor relationships and setting the long-term financial objectives for the organization. Barry Sternlicht's influence extends to shaping the firm's approach to complex real estate transactions and portfolio management, ensuring sustained growth and profitability.

    David Volfson - Chief of Staff & Barry Sterlnicht) Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    David Volfson, the Chief of Staff & Barry Sterlnicht) Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Starwood Capital Group, supports the Founder & Chief Executive Officer in executing strategic directives. This leadership position involves managing key initiatives and ensuring operational alignment across the organization. The Chief of Staff & Barry Sterlnicht) Founder & Chief Executive Officer plays a crucial role in driving the firm's investment strategy and operational efficiency. Volfson's responsibilities include overseeing critical projects and facilitating communication among executive leadership. This executive function is integral to the firm's ability to navigate complex market dynamics and achieve its investment goals. The Chief of Staff & Barry Sterlnicht) Founder & Chief Executive Officer's work directly impacts the firm's operational performance and strategic execution. David Volfson's efforts are central to advancing Starwood Capital Group's market presence and investment success.

    Christopher Lowthert - Managing Director, Global Chief Financial Officer of Funds

    Christopher Lowthert, the Managing Director, Global Chief Financial Officer of Funds at Starwood Capital Group, oversees the financial operations and reporting for the firm's diverse investment funds. This critical role involves managing fund accounting, financial planning, and capital allocation strategies to support Starwood Capital Group's real estate investment objectives. The Managing Director, Global Chief Financial Officer of Funds ensures compliance with financial regulations and maintains robust internal controls across all fund activities. Lowthert's expertise is essential for optimizing fund performance and providing transparent financial insights to investors. This executive function directly impacts the financial health and strategic direction of the firm's investment vehicles. Christopher Lowthert's leadership in financial management is fundamental to the firm's sustained growth and investor confidence.

    Jeff Allen - Funds Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer

    Jeff Allen, the Funds Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer at Starwood Capital Group, directs the financial strategy and management of the firm's investment portfolios. This executive function is crucial for ensuring the financial integrity and profitability of Starwood Capital Group's real estate ventures. The Funds Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and investment analysis, providing critical insights to support strategic decision-making. Allen's responsibilities include managing capital deployment and optimizing financial performance across various funds. This role is integral to maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions and investors. Jeff Allen's financial acumen is vital for navigating complex market conditions and driving the firm's continued expansion and success.

    Nicholas Antonopoulos - Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer

    Nicholas Antonopoulos, the Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer at Starwood Capital Group, leads the financial planning and analysis functions for the firm. This executive role is pivotal in shaping Starwood Capital Group's financial strategy and ensuring robust fiscal management across its global operations. The Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer oversees treasury operations, risk management, and capital markets activities, supporting the firm's extensive real estate investment portfolio. Antonopoulos's strategic financial guidance is essential for driving profitability and sustainable growth. This function is critical for maintaining investor confidence and facilitating strategic capital allocation. Nicholas Antonopoulos's leadership in financial stewardship is fundamental to the firm's operational excellence and market position.
    Nicholas Antonopoulos

    Andrew Sossen - Chief Operating Officer & Senior Managing Director

    Andrew Sossen, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior Managing Director at Starwood Capital Group, directs the firm's operational infrastructure and oversees daily business activities. This executive function is critical for ensuring the efficiency and scalability of Starwood Capital Group's investment operations. The Chief Operating Officer & Senior Managing Director manages technology, human resources, and administrative functions, supporting the firm's global real estate investment strategies. Sossen's leadership ensures that operational processes are optimized to support rapid growth and complex transactions. This role involves enhancing internal systems and driving operational excellence across all departments. Andrew Sossen's strategic oversight is fundamental to the firm's ability to execute its investment mandates effectively and maintain a high level of service for its clients and partners.
    Andrew Sossen

    Jack Laurent - Chief of Staff & President, Jonathan Pollack)

    Jack Laurent, the Chief of Staff & President, Jonathan Pollack) at Starwood Capital Group, manages critical operational initiatives and supports executive decision-making. This role involves coordinating cross-departmental projects and ensuring efficient execution of strategic priorities. The Chief of Staff & President, Jonathan Pollack) facilitates communication between various teams and leadership, streamlining workflows and enhancing organizational effectiveness. Laurent's focus includes optimizing internal processes and driving key business objectives. This executive function is vital for maintaining operational agility and supporting the firm's growth trajectory. The Chief of Staff & President, Jonathan Pollack)'s responsibilities encompass strategic planning support and the implementation of new business strategies. Jack Laurent's contributions are essential for the seamless operation of the firm's diverse investment activities.
    Jack Laurent

    Jonathan Pollack - President

    Jonathan Pollack, the President at Starwood Capital Group, drives the firm's strategic initiatives and oversees key business operations. This leadership position is instrumental in guiding Starwood Capital Group's expansion and enhancing its market presence in real estate investment. The President directs cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious growth targets and operational efficiencies. Pollack's responsibilities include fostering strategic partnerships and ensuring the effective execution of the firm's investment strategies. This executive function is vital for maintaining the company's competitive advantage and driving value creation. Jonathan Pollack's leadership is central to the firm's ongoing success and its commitment to delivering exceptional results in the global finance arena.
    Jonathan Pollack

    Oleg Olovyannikov - Chief Technology Officer & Managing Director

    Oleg Olovyannikov, the Chief Technology Officer & Managing Director at Starwood Capital Group, architects and executes the firm's technology strategy. This leadership role involves leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance investment operations, data analytics, and client services. The Chief Technology Officer & Managing Director drives innovation in digital platforms and IT infrastructure, ensuring Starwood Capital Group maintains a technological advantage in the finance sector. Olovyannikov's responsibilities include overseeing cybersecurity, data management, and the development of proprietary software solutions. This executive function is vital for supporting the firm's global real estate investment activities and driving operational efficiencies. Oleg Olovyannikov's vision for technology integration is key to the firm's continued success and market leadership.
    Oleg Olovyannikov

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Starwood Capital Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Starwood Capital Group?
    Starwood Capital Group is led by Barry Sternlicht (Chairman & CEO), along with executives such as David Volfson (Chief of Staff & Barry Sterlnicht) Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Christopher Lowthert (Managing Director, Global Chief Financial Officer of Funds).
    Who is part of Starwood Capital Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of Starwood Capital Group includes leaders such as Barry Sternlicht (Chairman & CEO), David Volfson (Chief of Staff & Barry Sterlnicht) Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Christopher Lowthert (Managing Director, Global Chief Financial Officer of Funds) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Starwood Capital Group have?
    Starwood Capital Group has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Starwood Capital Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Starwood Capital Group includes roles such as Chairman & CEO, Chief of Staff & Barry Sterlnicht) Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, Global Chief Financial Officer of Funds, Funds Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer.