Craig Leslie

Overall responsibility for the successful operation of the REIT, overseeing all service functions including Asset Management, Leasing, Investment, Property Management and Finance activities; while also collaborating closely with the wider Skyline Group of Companies, in order to maximize returns on behalf of our unit holders. As an integral part of my role, I devise and execute strategic asset management plans for each asset. These plans are crafted to safeguard and augment the value and net operating income of the REIT, while close involvement with the Investment team allows me to influence the optimization of the portfolio through targeted acquisitions and dispositions.

Oversaw all Asset Management, Leasing, Investment and Budgeting activities for the REIT nationwide in collaboration with the REIT President; while also working closely with Skyline Commercial Property Management division, to maximize operational efficiencies and minimize costs to our tenants.

Initially responsible for the asset management of Morguard REIT's national grocery-anchored retail portfolio; my role evolved over time to include various REIT and Corp-owned enclosed malls across the country. I also managed various income-producing assets on behalf of institutional investors, together with a number of long-term mixed-use development and master-planning opportunities. In my role, I led a multifaceted team including the Leasing, Property Management, Capex and Finance teams, focused on optimizing the performance of our assets. Our primary objective was to maximize occupancy rates, streamline operations to drive net operating income, and unlock value through proactive asset management initiatives.

Developed business plans and oversaw a portfolio of retail assets extending to approximately 7.4 million square feet across 45 properties throughout Ontario and Quebec, valued at in excess of $1.8 billion. Additional responsibilities encompassed managing the relationship with one of the REIT's primary development partners; including communication of relevant asset management issues and opportunities, and preparation of management reports covering both operational and financial aspects of the joint venture.

Promoted subsequent to my transfer to the Canadian practice, I held oversight and responsibility for junior staff, including driving the recruitment process up to Manager level. As part of Deloitte's Real Estate Advisory Group, I provided a variety of appraisal, strategic asset management, consultancy and corporate real estate services for some of Canada's largest real estate investors. I also gained experience in the multi-residential and student sectors, both in Canada and the UK.

Provided investment acquisition and disposition advice to institutional and private investors, focusing primarily on the Retail sector, but encompassing the Office, Industrial and Student Housing sectors also. The role required detailed identification and analysis of potential disposition/acquisition opportunities for predominantly institutional clients. I further provided asset management analysis to support these opportunities for driving asset value and achieving target investor returns.

Provided acquisitions and disposal advice to institutional investors, property companies and private investors. Specialized in the retail sector and shopping centres in particular, evaluating both prime and distressed assets across the UK and reviewing asset management strategies and potential redevelopment scenarios, with a view to maximizing returns.

Focus on a variety of valuation assignments, providing bank lending reports and portfolio valuation advice across all major property sectors for largely institutional investors. Focus on providing accurate assessments of distressed assets on behalf of various banks; providing them with an understanding of both the current situation and likely future prospects for assets, in order to facilitate decisions on potential dispositions.

Following a prescribed path to gaining my MRICS accreditation requiring a minimum of 24mths experience, I worked in both the Valuation and Business Space occupational leasing teams. I specialized in valuation and providing appraisals for bank lending, portfolio and financial valuation purposes; while also gaining experience in the leasing of a variety of office and industrial properties, including tenant occupational searches.

Focused on identifying and acquiring leasehold interests on behalf of multiple national telecom providers, for the purposes of installation of telecommunication towers.