Starwood Capital Group Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Starwood Capital Group has 7 executives leading key functions including charitable giving, investment management, global financial oversight, operational strategy, and executive administration.

Focused on long-term value creation within global real estate markets, Starwood Capital Group maintains a commitment to disciplined investment strategies and community engagement across diverse asset classes.

Leadership Roles at Starwood Capital Group

  • Charitable Giving Director, Community Relations & S Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & Office Executive - Katherine Conits
  • Chief of Staff & Barry Sterlnicht) Founder & Chief Executive Officer - David Volfson
  • Managing Director, Global Chief Financial Officer of Funds - Chris Lowthert
  • Funds Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer - Jeff Allen
  • Chief Operating Officer & Senior Managing Director - Andrew Sossen
  • Chief of Staff & President, Jonathan Pollack) - Jack Laurent
  • Managing Director - Jeff Wechsler
  • Katherine Conits - Charitable Giving Director, Community Relations & S Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & Office Executive

    Katherine Conits, the Charitable Giving Director, Community Relations & S Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & Office Executive at Starwood Capital Group, directs all philanthropic initiatives and corporate social responsibility programs. Overseeing community engagement, the Charitable Giving Director ensures alignment between corporate values and external social impact goals. This leadership role involves managing high-level stakeholder relationships and coordinating executive office functions to support the broader mission of the firm. By optimizing charitable outreach, Katherine Conits directly impacts the reputation and community footprint of the organization. Ultimately, Conits secures long-term social sustainability through strategic partnerships and effective resource allocation across North American markets, ensuring the firm remains a leader in corporate citizenship while maintaining operational excellence within the competitive real estate investment landscape.

    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, directs the administrative and strategic support for the firm's founder. Overseeing the executive office, the Chief of Staff & Barry Sterlnicht) Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the vision of the founder is integrated into all firm-wide operations. This leadership role involves managing high-level external relations and coordinating the strategic agenda for the executive team. By optimizing the flow of information to the founder, David Volfson directly impacts the firm's ability to respond to market shifts. Ultimately, Volfson secures the continuity of the firm's mission through diligent management of executive priorities and strategic initiatives, ensuring that the firm remains a dominant force in the global real estate investment industry while maintaining the founder's core investment philosophy.

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

    Chris Lowthert, the Managing Director, Global Chief Financial Officer of Funds at Starwood Capital Group, directs all financial reporting and fund accounting operations. Overseeing global fiscal health, the Managing Director, Global Chief Financial Officer of Funds ensures compliance with international regulatory standards and internal financial controls. This leadership role involves managing complex fund structures and providing critical financial insights to the executive team to guide investment decisions. By optimizing capital structures, Chris Lowthert directly impacts the liquidity and performance of the firm's investment vehicles. Ultimately, Lowthert secures the financial integrity of the organization through rigorous oversight of fund performance and reporting accuracy across all international operations, ensuring that the firm maintains a robust balance sheet while navigating the complexities of the global real estate investment market.

    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 performance monitoring for specific investment funds. Overseeing fund-level financial planning, the Funds Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer ensures accurate valuation and reporting for investors. This leadership role involves managing the financial lifecycle of assets and coordinating with the broader finance team to maintain fiscal discipline. By optimizing fund performance metrics, Jeff Allen directly impacts the profitability and investor satisfaction of the firm's portfolios. Ultimately, Allen secures financial transparency and growth through precise management of fund assets and liabilities, supporting the firm's overall market position. The Funds Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer drives efficiency in capital allocation, ensuring that each fund meets its specific investment objectives while adhering to the firm's overarching financial standards.

    Andrew Sossen - Chief Operating Officer & Senior Managing Director

    Andrew Sossen, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior Managing Director at Starwood Capital Group, directs internal business processes and organizational efficiency. Overseeing operational infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior Managing Director ensures seamless execution of the firm's strategic initiatives across all departments. This leadership role involves streamlining workflows and managing cross-functional teams to support the firm's investment activities. By optimizing operational performance, Andrew Sossen directly impacts the scalability and agility of the organization. Ultimately, Sossen secures long-term operational success through the implementation of robust systems and processes that support the firm's growth in the real estate sector. The Chief Operating Officer & Senior Managing Director maintains alignment between administrative functions and investment goals, ensuring that the firm operates with maximum efficiency while pursuing complex, high-value real estate opportunities globally.
    Andrew Sossen

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

    Jack Laurent, the Chief of Staff & President, Jonathan Pollack) at Starwood Capital Group, directs executive communications and strategic project management. Overseeing the office of the President, the Chief of Staff & President, Jonathan Pollack) ensures that key leadership priorities receive immediate attention and resources. This leadership role involves facilitating collaboration between senior executives and managing high-priority initiatives that impact the firm's strategic direction. By optimizing executive workflows, Jack Laurent directly impacts the speed and effectiveness of decision-making processes. Ultimately, Laurent secures organizational alignment through the coordination of complex projects and the management of critical internal communications, ensuring that the firm's leadership remains focused on core investment goals. The Chief of Staff & President, Jonathan Pollack) maintains a high level of operational oversight, ensuring that the firm's strategic vision is executed across all levels of the organization.
    Jack Laurent

    Jeff Wechsler - Managing Director

    Jeff Wechsler, the Managing Director at Starwood Capital Group, directs complex investment strategies and portfolio management activities. Overseeing capital deployment, the Managing Director ensures alignment with the firm's rigorous real estate investment standards. This leadership role involves evaluating market opportunities and managing risk across diverse asset classes to maximize investor returns. By optimizing asset performance, Jeff Wechsler directly impacts the growth trajectory of the firm's private equity holdings. Ultimately, Wechsler secures financial stability through meticulous market analysis and strategic decision-making, driving expansion across global markets. The Managing Director maintains constant communication with the investment committee to refine acquisition targets and divestment timelines, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of the real estate investment sector while delivering consistent value to institutional partners and stakeholders.

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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 Katherine Conits (Charitable Giving Director, Community Relations & S Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & Office Executive), along with executives such as David Volfson (Chief of Staff & Barry Sterlnicht) Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Chris 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 Katherine Conits (Charitable Giving Director, Community Relations & S Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & Office Executive), David Volfson (Chief of Staff & Barry Sterlnicht) Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Chris 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 7 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 Charitable Giving Director, Community Relations & S Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & Office Executive, Chief of Staff & Barry Sterlnicht) Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, Global Chief Financial Officer of Funds, Funds Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Senior Managing Director.