Scott Walsh will oversee the renovation and transformation plans for existing AKA properties, as well as managing new ground-up developments involving construction, financing and lender relations.
Actioning expansion
His appointment comes at a pivotal point for AKA, as the US-headquartered brand executes its strategic growth plan introducing new properties and undertaking new projects.
Walsh will be responsible for sourcing new projects, participating in raising capital, as well as developing strategic business models for new and existing property assets. He will oversee the projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are on time, on budget and aligned with AKA’s business objectives.
Based in New York City, he will be working alongside Larry Korman, CEO of AKA and the greater leadership team.
Proven track record
An accomplished real estate and development executive with more than two decades of experience, Walsh previously served as a project director at Lendlease, an international construction and real estate company, where he spent the last seven years overseeing a US$1.8 billion portfolio of New York-based residential development projects.
Walsh’s previous roles were at Forest City Ratner Companies, TF Cornerstone/Rockrose Development Corporation and Anderson. He has a proven track record as a successful real estate and development executive leader.
Extensive education
AKA’s new recruit earned his bachelor of architecture from Cornell University and his master of science in real estate finance and investment from New York University. Walsh was a member of the Real Estate Board of New York and served as a senior member on the city’s Rent Guidelines Board.
He is a Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener and an active member of the Urban Land Institute, Long Island City waterfront community, The Isamu Noguchi Museum and The Trevor Project.
Vision alignment
Larry Korman, CEO of AKA said: “As AKA thoughtfully expands its portfolio across the country, Scott’s specialised expertise and achievements in real estate and construction align with the brand’s vision.
“Scott will be essential in further fostering our strategic development and growth, especially as we continue to evolve with new offerings.”
Exciting new chapter
Walsh himself commented: “Joining AKA is an exciting new chapter, allowing me to fuse my expertise in ultra-luxury condos and multifamily housing with a hospitality-focused vision at a private company.
“With an unwavering commitment to exceptional design, crafting a sophisticated residential experience, and curating vibrant placemaking within iconic gateway cities, AKA resonates with my professional ethos. I’ve always admired Larry Korman’s approach to hospitality and design, and AKA’s core principles will foster the growth of my career in parallel with the company’s own journey.”
In the pipeline
AKA has been a pioneer of extended stay, serviced apartments for nearly two decades and has built a successful model for long-stays with its business, wellness, and lifestyle amenities, design and hospitality services.
Upcoming additions include AKA Washington Circle Hotel, repositioning the former One Washington Circle Hotel in Washington DC by Q2 2024, and Hotel AKA Boston Common, rebranding the 190-key Kimpton Nine Zero in Boston, with completion due in 2025.
