Leading real estate investment manager LaSalle Investment Management announced two new hires today, including David DeVos as the firm’s new Global Head of ESG, and Elena Alschuler as Vice President of Sustainability in the Americas.

DeVos will be responsible for building on LaSalle’s global ESG strategy and objectives, while driving program execution in partnership with the firm’s regional Sustainability Officers, senior leadership and portfolio stakeholders, with oversight including include specific ESG programs, such as the firm’s initiatives on climate change and health and wellness. He will also play a central role in the LaSalle’s reporting activities for clients and industry benchmarks. Alschuler will act as a central leader for LaSalle’s North America sustainability initiatives, working closely with the firm’s Portfolio Management team on sustainability strategies, as well as its Asset Management group to develop programs for property-level initiatives, including certifications, efficiency projects, energy procurement, green leases, and health & wellness projects.

DeVos joins LaSalle after over 10 years at PGIM Real Estate, where he served as Chief Sustainability Officer, with responsibility responsible for overseeing the company’s evolving strategy to reduce its worldwide environmental footprint. He has also served as Director of Corporate Responsibility at Kohl’s Department Stores.

Prior to joining LaSalle, Alschuler led real estate activities at View Inc., where she worked for five years, most recently as Regional Director, Washington D.C. She also worked for the U.S. Department of Energy, serving as Building Technologies Project Manager, in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Tim Kessler, Global Chief Operating Officer of LaSalle, said:

“We are pleased to welcome David and Elena to their roles as we expand our commitment to ESG leadership. We believe that integrating ESG best practices into our day-to-day work is the most efficient method to maximize investment performance for our clients while minimizing our impact on the environment. We look forward to David and Elena’s contributions to grow our broader ESG program and portfolio performance in the years ahead.”  ​

David DeVos, Global Head of ESG at LaSalle, added:

“I am thrilled to be joining LaSalle, and look forward to helping advance the firm’s ESG programs around the world. LaSalle has a strong foundation to build from, and I am excited to partner with our teams around the world to drive long-term, sustainable value for our clients, partners and colleagues.”

DeVos takes the Global Head of ESG role following the recent departure of Eric Duchon. ESG Today reported in November that Duchon had been hired by private equity and alternative asset manager Blackstone for the newly created position of Global Head of Real Estate ESG.