Diana Shi to Lead Operations & Asset Management at Cohen & Steers Private Real Estate
Cohen & Steers, a global leader in real estate investment and alternative assets, has appointed Diana Shi as Chief Executive Officer of Operations and Head of Asset Management for its Private Real Estate Group, marking a strategic step to enhance operational governance and long-term value creation across the company’s major real estate holdings.
Integrating Strategy with Asset Management
In her new role, Shi will oversee the strategic management of the private real estate portfolio, with a focus on streamlining operations across key functions, enhancing project execution efficiency, and ensuring that the investment infrastructure aligns with the company’s long-term vision. She will report directly to James S. Korrle, Head of the Private Real Estate Group, facilitating synergy between portfolio management and operational strategy.
Over 20 Years of Global Real Estate Expertise
Shi brings more than 20 years of experience in real estate investment and operational management. She previously served as Senior Vice President and Head of Asset Management – US at Oxford Properties, overseeing a $20 billion portfolio spanning office, retail, residential, and alternative sectors. Earlier, she was Global Co-Head of Portfolio & Asset Management at Madison International Realty, managing over $8 billion in assets, with a focus on long-term value creation and cross-market risk management.
Driving Innovation in Real Estate Investment
According to James S. Korrle, “Diana Shi’s appointment represents a strategic advancement in our ability to manage complex real estate portfolios. Her expertise in coordinating assets across multiple sectors and geographies will enable sustainable performance and long-term value creation for our investors.”
Cohen & Steers: A Global Platform for Alternative Real Estate Investment
Founded in 1986, Cohen & Steers is a pioneer in real estate and alternative income assets, including listed and private real estate, infrastructure, preferred securities, resource equities, and commodities. Headquartered in New York City, the firm operates from offices in London, Dublin, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Singapore, reflecting its global reach and capacity to execute large-scale architectural and investment projects.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The appointment of Diana Shi as CEO of Operations and Head of Asset Management at Cohen & Steers underscores the increasing integration of Contemporary Institutional Real Estate strategy with operational governance, positioning asset management as a driver of long-term urban and financial value. By consolidating oversight across diverse sectors—office, retail, residential, and alternative assets—the firm reinforces Functional Resilience and scalable investment infrastructure, while ensuring portfolio execution aligns with global best practices. However, the strategic centralization prompts reflection on the firm’s engagement with the Urban Fabric, as efficiency-driven management may prioritize financial performance over contextual and social responsiveness. Yet Shi’s cross-market expertise suggests a sophisticated approach to balancing operational rigor with multi-regional architectural and urban outcomes. Ultimately, the move signals an Architectural Ambition that links investment governance with the broader shaping of urban environments.
