Eric Plesman is rejoining Oxford Properties as president and CEO, just over four years after leaving to lead global real estate at Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).
Oxford Properties, the real estate arm of Canadian pension fund OMERS, said executive chair Daniel Fournier will step away from the leadership of the firm as of 3 November, as Plesman joins on that date.
Plesman is a member of the board of directors at the Greater Toronto Airport Authority, and also serves as chair of the institutional investor council at the Pension Real Estate Association.
Since April 2021, Plesman has led HOOPP’s real estate business spanning North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Plesman joined Oxford Properties in 2011 and spent over a decade at the firm, where he was promoted from head of Canadian investments to head of Canada, and ultimately to executive vice president, North America.
Earlier in his career, he spent over a decade at Morgan Stanley in senior and global roles.
Oxford Properties said to ensure a successful transition, Fournier will work closely with Plesman to maintain focus on the firm’s operational and strategic priorities. He will also provide strategic counsel into 2026.
Fournier joined the company in 2023, following his retirement from fellow Canadian real estate investor Ivanhoé Cambridge in 2019. He had served as CEO and chairman there since 2010.
Fournier said: “From the outset, I committed to step aside when three conditions were met: that we accelerated progress against our biggest opportunities and challenges; we strengthened performance across the business; and that we secured the best possible leader for Oxford’s next chapter. With those goals achieved, now is the perfect time for Eric, who is an exceptional real estate executive, to take the helm and lead Oxford in its next chapter.”
Plesman said: “I’m honoured to return to Oxford, an organisation whose people, culture and purpose I know firsthand and have a deep personal admiration for. Oxford has a world-class platform that is unique in the marketplace, a clear strategy and strong momentum.
“I look forward to partnering with the teams across Oxford and OMERS to deliver for our customers, capital partners and members, and to build on the company’s global strength and reputation.”
Blake Hutcheson, president and CEO of OMERS, said: “We are delighted to welcome Eric back to lead the Oxford Properties team. Eric’s impressive investment acumen and leadership skills make him the ideal person to build on Oxford’s 65-year legacy of investing in, developing and managing high-quality real estate on behalf of the 650,000 members of the OMERS pension plan.”
Hutcheson said Fournier’s leadership has guided Oxford through an unprecedented time for real estate over the past three years.
“He is not only a remarkable investor but also one of the best and most selfless leaders I have ever worked with. He cares deeply about his team and achieving the best win/win outcomes. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Daniel for his exceptional work and his commitment to succession, and to ensuring a smooth leadership transition.”
To read the latest IPE Real Assets magazine click here.
