David Helfand, Co-President, Equity Group Investments

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

As Co-President of EGI, David Helfand oversees all aspects of the firm and devotes a substantial amount of his time to the Zell Opportunities Funds. He has worked with Sam Zell for more than 15 years in a variety of capacities.

Helfand served as Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for Equity Office Properties Trust, the largest real estate investment trust (REIT) in the U.S., where he led more than $13 billion of mergers and acquisitions activity.

Prior to Equity Office, Helfand served as a Managing Director and participated in the formation of Equity International, a private investment firm focused on real estate-related companies outside of the U.S.
He also held the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc., a manufactured home community REIT, and for years following his tenure, he continued to serve on the company’s board of directors.

Prior to Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc., Helfand focused on a variety of asset classes including retail, office, parking, and multifamily.

Helfand is also President and Chief Executive Officer of Helix Funds. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University.