Press Release: Highgate Announces Three Leadership Appointments

Highgate Announces Three Leadership Appointments

Highgate announces that Rich Russo, Zach Berger and Matt Gunlock have been named Principals, effectively immediately. The three will work closely with Co-Founders and Managing Principals Mahmood and Mehdi Khimji to build upon Highgate’s proven 30-year track record and lead the next phase of strategic growth.

September 24, 2020

 

“Each industry recovery that I’ve experienced has presented unique areas for growth, innovation and value creation, and the changes we have announced today well position us to capitalize on those opportunities,” said Mahmood Khimji. “We are thrilled to continue to partner with Rich, Zach and Matt in navigating this incredibly dynamic market environment, and look forward to continuing to add to Highgate’s leadership team and deep base of talent as we go into this next cycle.”


Rich Russo’s 18 years of hotel industry experience includes five years with Highgate where he has been responsible for spearheading the firm’s business development efforts. Prior to joining Highgate, Rich was Head of Development for Morgans Hotel Group. He began his career at Ernst & Young, and received his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business.


Zach Berger is an eight-year Highgate veteran, where he most recently led acquisitions and asset management for the company. Zach worked at Citigroup in the Real Estate and Lodging Investment Banking group prior to joining Highgate. He graduated summa cum laude from Wake Forest University, with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science, and also studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Matt Gunlock has 15 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, the last five of which as Highgate’s General Counsel. Prior to joining Highgate, Matt was an attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, where he focused on commercial real estate transactions, hospitality, and private equity. He holds a BS in Accounting, summa cum laude, from the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University and a JD from the William & Mary School of Law.