LAKEWOOD, NJ, SEPTEMBER 19, 2005 – The Lightstone Group, one of the largest private real estate owners in the country, has named Martin J. Sumner Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In this capacity, Sumner will be responsible for overseeing all operations of the company, including leasing, acquisitions, property management and human resources. He will also have oversight of Lightstone Securities, the dealer manager for The Lightstone Group’s new recently launched Real Estate Investment Trust— Lightstone Value Plus REIT. Sumner will be based in the company’s Lakewood, New Jersey headquarters and will report directly to David Lichtenstein, chairman and founder of The Lightstone Group.
“Great assets still require great people,” said Lichtenstein. “Marty Sumner is a seasoned professional who brings more depth to an already deep organization.”
Sumner most recently served as COO for Simone Development Companies, a large, privately-held regional owner of office, industrial and retail properties. Prior to joining Simone Development, Sumner served 15 years as CFO of Lawrence Ruben Company, New York, a leading owner, manager and developer of commercial, office and residential apartments in the Northeast. Lawrence Ruben is the parent company of Granite Partners, LLC a leading national real estate investment bank, and formerly Harper-Lawrence, Inc. a regional commercial real estate broker.
Throughout his career Sumner has held top management positions. He is a CPA in New York and New Jersey, a licensed real estate broker in New York and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. He received his degree in management from The State University of New York at Buffalo.
