Northland promotes Abair, Gottesdiener to president, CEO
Boston Business Journal
February 11, 2021
By Catherine Carlock
Larry Gottesdiener, the founder and longtime chief executive of Newton-based real estate company Northland Investment Corp., is handing the reins over to his son.
Matthew Gottesdiener, currently Northland’s chief investment officer, is being promoted to CEO. Meanwhile, Suzanne Abair, who joined Northland as general counsel in 2004 and was named chief operating officer in 2016, will assume the role of president.
As CEO, Matthew Gottesdiener will guide Northland’s investment strategy, drive the firm’s operating business and further expand Northland’s national platform.
“I respect the opportunity to build on Northland’s long-term, industry-leading track record,” Matthew Gottesdiener said in a statement. “I am fortunate to work alongside the best team of professionals in the multifamily space and am excited for the next chapter in Northland’s growth.”
As president, Abair will partner with Matthew Gottesdiener on Northland’s strategic direction, manage operational oversight and oversee complex transactions. Abair will also lead Northland’s diversity, equity and inclusion action plan.
“I am honored to take on this new role as president, and I am grateful for the unwavering support I have received from Larry throughout my time at Northland,” Abair said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Matthew to cultivate an organization in which every member of the team is empowered to come to work, be their authentic self, and strive for excellence every day.”
Prior to joining Northland in 2016, Matthew Gottesdiener was an equity derivatives trader at Goldman Sachs. In his tenure at Northland, the company’s assets under management have grown from $4 billion to $7 billion.
“Matthew’s analytical rigor, investment acumen, and execution capabilities have reimagined Northland,” said Larry Gottesdiener in a statement. “Balancing organizational integrity with an unwavering pursuit of investment and operational outperformance, Matthew has set the firm on a forward-thinking path.”
Larry Gottesdiener will become company chairman, where he will focus on Northland’s long-term strategic direction, oversee mixed-use projects and guide the firm’s philanthropic efforts.
In December, Northland secured a major win with Newton voters approving its long-envisioned 23-acre mixed-use project in Newton Upper Falls. The Northland Newton Development is expected to include 800 residential units, of which 140 would be defined affordable, as well as 180,000 square feet of office space and 115,000 square feet of retail space.