Starwood Capital Group Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Starwood Capital Group operates as a premier private investment firm, leveraging deep real estate market expertise to drive value and deliver exceptional returns for its global investors.

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 firm's overall strategic vision and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding investment strategies across diverse real estate sectors and capital markets, ensuring alignment with the company's foundational principles. Sternlicht oversees the integration of market intelligence into actionable investment plans, driving portfolio growth and enhancing shareholder value. The Chairman & CEO's purview extends to fostering key stakeholder relationships and championing the firm's expansion into new geographic and asset classes. By setting ambitious performance benchmarks, Barry Sternlicht ensures the firm maintains its competitive edge and continues its trajectory of success in the global finance arena. This executive's influence shapes the company's direction, impacting all facets of its investment activities and operational framework.

    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, functions as a strategic partner to the Founder & CEO, supporting key initiatives and operational oversight. This role involves managing critical projects, facilitating executive communications, and ensuring alignment with the firm's strategic direction. Volfson assists in the development and implementation of new business strategies, market expansion plans, and operational improvements. The Chief of Staff & Founder & CEO's responsibilities include coordinating efforts across various departments, preparing executive briefings, and driving the execution of high-priority objectives. By providing dedicated support and strategic counsel, David Volfson enhances the effectiveness of the leadership team and contributes to the firm's overall mission. This position is crucial for driving strategic alignment and operational efficiency.

    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 strategic capital allocation for the firm's diverse fund structures. This senior finance role involves managing fund accounting, financial reporting, investor relations, and treasury functions across multiple jurisdictions. Lowthert ensures rigorous financial controls and compliance with global regulatory standards, maintaining the integrity of the firm's financial statements and investor communications. The Global CFO of Funds plays a key part in structuring new investment vehicles, optimizing capital deployment, and managing risk exposures within the fund portfolios. By providing critical financial insights and strategic guidance, Christopher Lowthert supports the firm's ability to attract and retain capital, driving long-term value creation for investors. This executive's expertise is fundamental to the financial health and strategic growth of Starwood Capital Group's fund management operations.

    Jeff Allen - Funds Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer

    Jeff Allen, the Funds Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer at Starwood Capital Group, manages the financial health and strategic direction of the firm's investment funds. This senior finance role involves overseeing fund accounting, financial planning and analysis, capital raising efforts, and investor reporting. Allen ensures compliance with all relevant financial regulations and accounting standards, maintaining transparency and accuracy in financial operations. The Funds Managing Director & CFO plays a crucial part in structuring fund investments, optimizing capital structures, and managing financial risks associated with diverse real estate portfolios. By providing expert financial guidance and strategic insights, Jeff Allen supports the firm's investment objectives and enhances investor confidence. This executive's leadership is vital for the financial integrity and strategic growth of Starwood Capital Group's fund management activities.

    Nicholas Antonopoulos - Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer

    Nicholas Antonopoulos, the Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer at Starwood Capital Group, directs the firm's comprehensive financial strategy and management. This executive role involves overseeing corporate finance, accounting, treasury operations, and financial planning and analysis to support the firm's investment activities and operational needs. Antonopoulos ensures robust financial controls, compliance with regulatory requirements, and efficient capital allocation across the organization. The Managing Director & CFO plays a key part in financial risk management, optimizing the firm's balance sheet, and supporting strategic growth initiatives through sound financial stewardship. By providing critical financial leadership and strategic insights, Nicholas Antonopoulos contributes significantly to the firm's financial stability and long-term success. This position is essential for maintaining financial discipline and driving value creation.
    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 global operational infrastructure and business support functions. This executive role encompasses overseeing critical areas such as human resources, legal, compliance, and administrative services, ensuring efficient and effective operations across all business lines. Sossen drives initiatives to enhance operational scalability, implement best practices, and optimize resource allocation to support the firm's growth objectives. The COO & Senior Managing Director plays a vital role in managing risk, ensuring regulatory adherence, and fostering a high-performance culture throughout the organization. By streamlining operations and enhancing internal processes, Andrew Sossen contributes significantly to the firm's ability to execute its investment strategies and deliver consistent results. This leadership position is essential for maintaining operational excellence and supporting strategic expansion.
    Andrew Sossen

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

    Jack Laurent, the Chief of Staff & President, Jonathan Pollack) at Starwood Capital Group, serves as a key strategic advisor and operational liaison across the executive leadership team. This multifaceted role involves coordinating strategic initiatives, managing cross-departmental projects, and ensuring seamless execution of the firm's objectives. Laurent facilitates communication and collaboration between different business units, driving alignment and operational efficiency. The Chief of Staff & President's responsibilities include overseeing special projects, optimizing internal processes, and supporting the President in managing key relationships and strategic partnerships. By providing critical support and strategic oversight, Jack Laurent enhances the effectiveness of the executive team and contributes to the firm's overall success. This position is integral to maintaining operational synergy and advancing the company's strategic priorities.
    Jack Laurent

    Jonathan Pollack - President

    Jonathan Pollack, the President at Starwood Capital Group, leads the firm's strategic initiatives and oversees key operational functions to drive business growth and performance. This executive role involves guiding investment strategies, managing cross-functional teams, and fostering strong relationships with investors, partners, and stakeholders. Pollack ensures alignment across all business units, promoting a cohesive approach to achieving the firm's objectives in the global real estate and finance markets. The President's responsibilities include identifying new market opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and enhancing the firm's competitive positioning. By providing decisive leadership and strategic direction, Jonathan Pollack plays a pivotal role in advancing the firm's mission and expanding its market influence. This leadership position is critical for executing the company's vision and achieving sustained success.
    Jonathan Pollack

    Oleg Olovyannikov - Chief Technology Officer & Managing Director

    Oleg Olovyannikov, the Chief Technology Officer & Managing Director at Starwood Capital Group, architects the firm's technology infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. This critical role involves developing and implementing advanced technological solutions that enhance operational efficiency, data analytics capabilities, and investment decision-making processes. Olovyannikov drives innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science to unlock new investment opportunities and optimize existing portfolios. The CTO & Managing Director ensures robust cybersecurity measures and data governance frameworks are in place, safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining regulatory compliance across global operations. By integrating cutting-edge technology with real estate investment strategies, Oleg Olovyannikov empowers the firm to navigate complex market dynamics and achieve superior performance. This leadership position is pivotal in leveraging technology to drive competitive advantage and sustainable growth.
    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.