Gerald D. Hines, founder and chairman of the preeminent real estate firm Hines passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 23, 2020. Born in Gary, Indiana on August 15, 1925, he recently celebrated his 95th birthday. The news was announced today by his son, Jeffrey C. Hines, who has been running the firm as President, and now assumes the role of Chairman and CEO of Hines. Gerald D. Hines was widely regarded and regularly honoured as a leading visionary in the commercial real estate industry. He transformed an entrepreneurial startup, established in Houston, TX in 1957, into an international powerhouse, renowned for developing, owning and managing some of the world’s most recognizable architectural landmarks across five continents. With more than 4,800 employees, Hines today is active in 225 cities in 25 countries. Equally as influential as Hines’ worldwide presence is the integrity and excellence woven into each project, a corporate attribute imbued by its founder.
“Beyond his significant, impactful career and his pioneering contributions to architecture, sustainability and the built environment, Dad felt his greatest achievement is the team of dedicated professionals who have and will continue to, carry on his legacy of peerless quality, integrity and innovation,” stated Jeffrey C. Hines, Chairman and CEO, Hines.
Lars Huber, CEO of Hines Europe, said: “This is a sad day for the Hines family worldwide. Gerry instilled the values of integrity, innovation and quality which are part of our DNA to this day, and I am sure for generations to come. He was a pioneer of real estate, an inspirational leader and a real mentor to me throughout my career, as he was to so many others. He was instrumental in establishing Hines’ European platform and, along with the senior leadership team, I am proud to have counted on him as a colleague and friend. We will miss him.”
