Zeller Realty Announces Chris Baker As New CEO, Effective June 2024

Zeller has announced that Bob Six will step down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with Chris Baker, President of Zeller Realty Corporation, set to take over the role effective June 1, 2024. Bob Six has been a key figure at Zeller for over 23 years, including four years as CEO, and has a distinguished career in the commercial real estate (CRE) industry spanning more than 40 years.

Under Bob's leadership, Zeller experienced significant growth, expanding its portfolio from 3 million square feet to over 10 million square feet nationally. His contributions extended beyond expansion; he was instrumental in driving innovation, sustainability, and technology within the company. Bob's involvement with organizations such as BOMA/Chicago and BOMA International, where he serves as Chairman, has enhanced Zeller’s reputation and fostered valuable industry relationships.

Paul Zeller, Chairman and Founder, expressed gratitude for Bob’s contributions: "On behalf of Zeller’s leadership and employees, I want to thank Bob for his valuable contributions and sincere personal friendship over the past 23 years. During his tenure, Bob’s focus on execution has played a pivotal role in driving Zeller’s advancement in operational excellence, positioning our company for the next phase of growth."

Chris Baker brings over two decades of experience in the commercial real estate industry to his new role as CEO. Since joining Zeller in 2013, Chris has held significant positions including President of Zeller Realty Corporation and Director of Asset Management. In these roles, he has been involved in all aspects of the investment process, from financing and equity sourcing for acquisitions to overseeing asset management and executing strategic business plans.

Bob Six commented on Chris’s appointment: "I have had the pleasure of working alongside Chris over the last eleven years, where he has played an integral role in growing and helping manage the capital structure of Zeller’s portfolio properties. With his seasoned expertise in debt and equity, and proven leadership, Chris is poised to guide Zeller in the next chapter of its growth and success."

Before joining Zeller, Chris worked for Ares Management as a Senior Associate in their Senior Debt Originations Group and was an Associate Director in the Credit & Underwriting Group at Wrightwood Capital LLC. He also served four years in the United States Air Force’s Space Program as a mission manager for launching military and NASA satellites.

Chris holds a master’s degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. He is a member of Chicago Real Estate Private Equity (CREPE) and the National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers (NAREIM).

Paul Zeller expressed confidence in Chris’s capabilities: "I am honoured and very energised to announce Chris Baker as Bob’s successor in the CEO role. Chris has extensive experience as a seasoned finance and deal executive in our industry. Coupled with his proficiency in leading critical operational facets of our business, this makes Chris an exceptionally qualified individual to drive company operations as CEO of Zeller."

Bob Six will continue to serve as a Principal of Zeller and an advisor to senior leadership.