Advance Realty Announces New Hire and Promotions
Firm Names Christopher Bellapianta to Head up Finance and Acquisitions; Promotes Brian Banaszynski and Rick Zack
Advance Realty, a leading Northeast U.S. owner and developer of Class A office, mixed-use and flex-space properties, announced today the hiring of Christopher M. Bellapianta as Director of Finance and Acquisitions. Additionally, Advance has promoted Brian Banaszynski to Managing Director and Rick Zack to Director.
“We recognize the stellar achievements of Brian and Rick, who have been consistently strong performers, and are pleased to welcome Chris to the team,” said Peter Cocoziello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Advance Realty. “We are extremely focused on the strategic growth of our organization. These promotions and new hire reflect the importance we place on attracting and retaining the highest quality talent.”
Bellapianta will be responsible for sourcing, capitalizing and closing acquisitions along with refinancing and recapitalizing of portfolio assets. Previously, he served similar roles with Madison Capital, the Frontview Group and Antares Investment Partners in New York City. He has been involved in over $3.5 billion of commercial real estate investments including the sourcing of both debt and equity.
Banaszynski is recognized as one of the region’s most accomplished real estate professionals with more than 22 years of proven success in the commercial real estate sector. He is now responsible for overseeing Advance’s New Jersey portfolio.
Prior to joining Advance, Banaszynski was senior vice president of M. Alfieri Co. in Edison, N.J. Other commercial real estate leadership positions include Vice President of Development at Mack-Cali Realty Corporation in Cranford, N.J., Vice President of Leasing at Alfred Sanzari Enterprises in Hackensack, N.J.; as well as a commercial real estate broker at Cushman & Wakefield.
In his new role, Zack will oversee the property management of Advance Realty’s portfolio of assets in the New Jersey and Washington, D.C. regions. Previously, he was General Manager for One Gateway Center, the company’s 515,000-square-foot Class A commercial office building in Newark, N.J. where he was responsible for general operations, budgeting and financial reporting, as well as the execution of extensive capital and tenant improvement programs.
A proven professional in all areas of property management, Zack returned to Advance Realty after a period of time at Precision Building and Construction as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that he had been Property Manager for Advance Realty, handling general operations for multiple assets within the company’s New Jersey region including capital expenditures, building maintenance, life safety and security and tenant relations.
About Advance Realty
Advance Realty, headquartered in Bedminster, New Jersey, is a privately held real estate development, investment and management company. Since its inception in 1979, Advance Realty has acquired or developed more than seven million square feet of commercial, residential, mixed-use and industrial projects. Advance continues to be one of the most active and respected commercial real estate companies in the New Jersey and Washington, D.C. markets.
Advance Realty is well positioned for smart growth in its core markets. The company’s strong capital base, outstanding talent and flexibility as a privately held, fully integrated real estate company ensure continued success at the forefront of the commercial real estate industry. For more information, call Advance Realty at (908) 719-3000 or visit www.advancere.com
