Women in CRE: Christina van Beelen

Christina van Beelen spent nearly three decades in senior management and strategy roles in the alternative asset management world before she joined CenterSquare Investment Management, a Pennsylvania-based global real asset manager, as COO in February.

“I found myself specifically drawn to commercial real estate, particularly because it offers a fascinating blend of tangible assets and dynamic market opportunities,” she shared. “The ability to directly influence the development and management of the properties that shape our cities is appealing.”

Prior to joining CenterSquare, which with its affiliates has $14 billion in assets under management globally, van Beelen was a managing director and senior product specialist at alternative asset manager Magnetar Capital for more than three years. Before Magnetar, she was head of alternatives product management at SECOR Asset Management for nearly eight years.

Other previous roles included COO of global distribution at Citadel Investment Group and head of North American fund of funds coverage at Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

Van Beelen enjoys being a strategist, developing and executing plans that directly influence the firm’s direction and success.

“I also value the opportunity to mentor and develop our team—this allows me to contribute to both personal and professional growth within the organization—something that I find incredibly fulfilling,” she noted.

At CenterSquare, navigating shifting market dynamics, especially during economic downturns or periods of rapid change, has been one of van Beelen’s biggest challenges.

“Adapting our strategies and operations to remain competitive and resilient in these conditions requires constant reassessment of our approaches and priorities,” she said.

Van Beelen, who received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, says it’s crucial to draw a blueprint of your own career.

“Building a network and developing a clear vision for your growth are just as essential as developing tangible skills,” she advised.

To create a more inclusive industry, van Beelen said, CRE needs to remove barriers to entry and advancement, including promoting diversity at all levels of an organization and cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. “This means fostering diverse talent pools, supporting mentorship and career development programs and ensuring that all voices are heard in decision-making processes.”

Read the September 2024 issue of CPE.