Brixton Capital, a private real estate investment firm, has hired John Desco as executive vice president to oversee leasing, operations, marketing and redevelopment of Brixton’s regional shopping centers.
“John’s experience in the retail industry spans both malls and shopping centers. His understanding of the intricacies involved in building, operating and re-positioning best-in-class shopping centers that grow, adapt and improve as the retail industry evolves will be of great value to our team and investors,” said Mark Selman, president of Brixton Capital.
Kurt Kaufman, Brixton’s chief operating officer, added, “I am confident John will play a key role in executing on Brixton’s commitment to evolving our regional shopping centers into dynamic, mixed-use projects by capitalizing on the relationships and experiences he has gained over decades in our industry. I am excited to have him join the team.”
Over his career, John has been responsible for operations, management, leasing, redevelopment and value-creation for over 25 million square feet of retail and office properties, which have all thrived and grown under his direction.
“Brick and mortar will continue to be a critical part of the retail industry infrastructure, and Brixton Capital has its finger on the pulse of what retailers need and what consumers want,” Desco said. “I’m honored to be part of this dynamic team.”
Prior to joining Brixton, John was the chief operating officer for Vintage Capital Group, LLC, a Los Angeles privately held investment group, where he was responsible for the growth, management, leasing and eventual disposition of the firm’s shopping center and office portfolio. Before joining Vintage, he served as the executive vice president of asset management for Coyote Management, LP in Dallas, where he spent 15 years overseeing acquisition, management, leasing, redevelopment and disposition of Coyote’s portfolio of enclosed and open-air shopping centers.
John received both his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University, with concentrations in Corporate Finance and Real Estate Finance.
He is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), holding several certifications, including Certified Leasing Specialist, Certified Shopping Center Manager and Certified Retail Real Estate Professional, in addition to serving on its CSM Committee and graduating from its Master Developer Program. John is also a licensed Real Estate Broker in Texas and California.
Brixton Capital is a preeminent private real estate investment firm that seeks to generate outstanding, risk-adjusted returns by unlocking embedded value in commercial real estate transactions spanning all property types. Headquartered in Solana Beach, California, Brixton is led by a team of seasoned commercial real estate experts with an average of more than 25 years of experience.
Brixton currently owns and operates a portfolio valued in excess of $1 billion, representing over 10 million square feet of retail, multi-family, office, industrial and land investments across the United States and Europe.