Sun Communities Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sun Communities has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and corporate leadership.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Sun Communities provides comprehensive residential solutions, developing new ground-up communities with exceptional amenities and homes across the country, impacting the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle resort markets.

Leadership Roles at Sun Communities

  • Chief Executive Officer - Charles Young
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Fernando Castro-Caratini
  • Chief Operating Officer - Bruce Thelen
  • President - John McLaren
  • Charles Young - Chief Executive Officer

    Charles Young, the Chief Executive Officer at Sun Communities, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational vision. Young guides the company's expansion across manufactured housing communities, recreational vehicle resorts, and marina operations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Overseeing the development of new ground-up communities, Charles Young ensures alignment with core values of commitment, intensity, empowerment, accountability, and service. This leadership role involves driving market share growth through strategic acquisitions and organic development, particularly in the active 55-plus and all-age manufactured housing sectors. By optimizing property portfolios and enhancing resident experiences, Charles Young directly impacts the company's financial performance and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, Young secures Sun Communities' position as a leader in providing quality-built homes and comprehensive residential solutions.
    Charles Young

    Fernando Castro-Caratini - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Fernando Castro-Caratini, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Sun Communities, directs financial planning, reporting, and capital allocation. Castro-Caratini oversees the company's fiscal operations, including managing relationships with specialized lenders and insurance affiliates like Bright Insurance Agency. This financial leadership role involves ensuring the fiscal health of operations across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, supporting strategic investments in new communities and property enhancements. By analyzing financial performance and identifying opportunities for cost optimization, Fernando Castro-Caratini directly impacts the company's profitability and shareholder value. Ultimately, Castro-Caratini provides critical financial oversight to support Sun Communities' growth objectives and maintain its position as a publicly traded real estate investment trust.

    Bruce Thelen - Chief Operating Officer

    Bruce Thelen, the Chief Operating Officer at Sun Communities, executes the day-to-day operational strategies across the company's diverse portfolio. Thelen manages the performance of manufactured housing communities, Sun Outdoors recreational vehicle resorts, Safe Harbor Marinas, and Park Holidays UK. Overseeing property management and resident services, Bruce Thelen ensures the delivery of exceptional amenities and high-quality homes, aligning with the company's commitment to service. This operational leadership involves driving efficiency in land leasing, home sales, and rental programs, directly supporting the company's mission to provide comprehensive residential solutions. By optimizing operational workflows and enhancing community engagement, Bruce Thelen directly contributes to resident satisfaction and asset value appreciation. Ultimately, Thelen ensures the seamless integration and effective management of all acquired and developed properties.

    John McLaren - President

    John McLaren, the President at Sun Communities, drives corporate initiatives and strategic partnerships. McLaren oversees key business development efforts, including collaborations with leading manufactured home builders such as Clayton Homes, Champion Home Builders, and Palm Harbor Homes. This leadership position involves ensuring the quality and innovation of homes offered for sale and rent across the company's extensive network of communities. By fostering strong relationships with builders and lenders, John McLaren facilitates the delivery of comprehensive residential solutions that meet diverse resident needs. Overseeing market expansion and product development, McLaren directly contributes to Sun Communities' reputation for providing modern, quality-built homes with stylish designs and high-end appliances. Ultimately, McLaren champions the company's commitment to developing exceptional communities nationwide.
    John McLaren

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sun Communities Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sun Communities?
    Sun Communities is led by Charles Young (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Fernando Castro-Caratini (Interim Chief Financial Officer) and Bruce Thelen (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Sun Communities’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sun Communities includes leaders such as Charles Young (Chief Executive Officer), Fernando Castro-Caratini (Interim Chief Financial Officer), Bruce Thelen (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sun Communities have?
    Sun Communities has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sun Communities’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sun Communities includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.