Key Takeaways
- • Simpson Housing has appointed Jason Kern as president and chief investment officer, reporting to CEO Frank Rooney Jr., following Domain Capital Group's acquisition of the multifamily housing company earlier in 2026.
- • Kern brings more than 30 years of real estate investment, capital markets and corporate leadership experience, most recently as president of investment management at Cortland.
- • Kern previously served as CEO of the Americas at LaSalle Investment Management, a business with approximately $24 billion in assets under management.
- • Simpson Housing owns and manages more than 24,000 apartment units with gross asset value exceeding $7.5 billion across 21 markets in 15 states.
- • Kern will oversee investment strategy, portfolio and asset management, and transaction execution, while partnering with Domain's capital formation team to develop new institutional investment offerings.
Summary
Simpson Housing has named veteran real estate investment executive Jason Kern as president and chief investment officer, a appointment the company described as strengthening its leadership team following Domain Capital Group's acquisition of the multifamily housing company earlier this year. Kern will report to Chief Executive Officer Frank Rooney Jr. and work closely with Domain's executive team.
In the new role, Kern will oversee Simpson Housing's investment strategy, portfolio and asset management, and transaction execution. He will also partner with Domain's capital formation team to develop new institutional investment opportunities. Simpson and Domain said they plan to build on existing institutional partnerships while introducing strategies that combine Simpson's multifamily operating capabilities with Domain's investment management platform.
The appointment follows Domain's acquisition of Simpson Housing from the State of Michigan Retirement Systems, which expands Domain's vertically integrated real estate investment platform. Domain had served as investment adviser to Simpson Housing since 2008, overseeing the company's operations and investment strategy on behalf of the retirement system. Rooney said Kern's institutional investment experience would support continued growth while maintaining the company's disciplined investment approach, operational standards and resident focus.
Kern has more than 30 years of experience in real estate investment management, capital markets and corporate leadership. He most recently served as president of investment management at Cortland, overseeing portfolio management, acquisitions, asset management, research and strategy, development and capital markets. Earlier, he was CEO of the Americas at LaSalle Investment Management, which had approximately $24 billion in AUM, and held senior real estate advisory and investment banking roles at HSBC and J.P. Morgan across the United States, Europe and Asia.
Domain CEO Patrick Leardo said Kern's appointment advances the firm's strategy following the acquisition and will strengthen collaboration between the two organizations. Headquartered in Denver, Simpson Housing owns and manages more than 24,000 apartment units with gross asset value above $7.5 billion across 21 markets in 15 states. Atlanta-based Domain Capital Group managed approximately $9.1 billion as of March 31, 2026, across real estate, media and entertainment, timberland and natural capital, and special situations.
In the new role, Kern will oversee Simpson Housing's investment strategy, portfolio and asset management, and transaction execution. He will also partner with Domain's capital formation team to develop new institutional investment opportunities. Simpson and Domain said they plan to build on existing institutional partnerships while introducing strategies that combine Simpson's multifamily operating capabilities with Domain's investment management platform.
The appointment follows Domain's acquisition of Simpson Housing from the State of Michigan Retirement Systems, which expands Domain's vertically integrated real estate investment platform. Domain had served as investment adviser to Simpson Housing since 2008, overseeing the company's operations and investment strategy on behalf of the retirement system. Rooney said Kern's institutional investment experience would support continued growth while maintaining the company's disciplined investment approach, operational standards and resident focus.
Kern has more than 30 years of experience in real estate investment management, capital markets and corporate leadership. He most recently served as president of investment management at Cortland, overseeing portfolio management, acquisitions, asset management, research and strategy, development and capital markets. Earlier, he was CEO of the Americas at LaSalle Investment Management, which had approximately $24 billion in AUM, and held senior real estate advisory and investment banking roles at HSBC and J.P. Morgan across the United States, Europe and Asia.
Domain CEO Patrick Leardo said Kern's appointment advances the firm's strategy following the acquisition and will strengthen collaboration between the two organizations. Headquartered in Denver, Simpson Housing owns and manages more than 24,000 apartment units with gross asset value above $7.5 billion across 21 markets in 15 states. Atlanta-based Domain Capital Group managed approximately $9.1 billion as of March 31, 2026, across real estate, media and entertainment, timberland and natural capital, and special situations.
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