Behringer Harvard Founder Resigns as Co. Chairman

Robert Behringer

Robert Behringer has resigned his position as Chairman of Behringer Harvard Holdings L.L.C. effective immediately. He has also stepped down as Chairman of the Board of four public Behringer Harvard Investment programs, including REIT I, Opportunity REIT !, Opportunity REIT II, and Multifamily REIT I. He has assumed the role of Chairman Emeritus.

Upon receiving a diagnosis of a medical condition affecting his speech, the company founder decided to speed up his  a succession plan started more than a year ago. According to a company release, in September of 2011,  the company announced the appointment of Robert Aisner, previously President, to CEO, assuming the role from Behringer. As a  result, Behringer transitioned to Chairman as part of a broader succession plan that included the appointment former CAO Jason Mattox to COO. Mattox took over the role that was previously held by Robert Chapman, who is now the Executive Vice President at the company.

“I have every confidence in our executive leadership team going forward.  I am proud that our company has grown to become a global alternative investment enterprise,” said Behringer in a message to his employees.  ” As its founder and controlling owner, I have a vested stake in the continued success of our company, our investors, and each one of you.”

According to the company, Behringer’s speedy resignation is part of the continuation of an existing succession plan, which was enacted earlier due to his medical diagnosis, which prompted the transition.

“We expect this transition to be completely seamless and without disruption to our partners, clients and investors,” said Aisner in a prepared statement. “Robert’s vision and leadership have had an indelible impact on Behringer Harvard. We are grateful for the foundation he has built and his enduring legacy. We also respect his sense of responsibility to the company and its future.”