Sperry Equities names new CEO and chair as 2026 volume tops $255M

Sperry Equities named Burton Young CEO and Rand Sperry chairman as the Irvine, California-based real estate investment firm says it has topped $255 million in transaction volume so far in 2026. The leadership shift formalizes a succession plan as the company looks to extend growth and continuity across its investment platform.

Why it matters: - Sperry Equities is formalizing its top leadership as transaction activity accelerates. - The move is designed to support succession planning and long-term continuity without disrupting daily operations. - The firm says it has already surpassed $255 million in 2026 transaction volume, a sign of strong deal flow across acquisitions, dispositions and financing.

What happened: - Sperry Equities named Burton Young chief executive officer and Rand Sperry chairman. - The announcement came Aug. 31, 2026, from Irvine, California. - Young has been the firm's longtime president and co-founder. - Sperry Equities specializes in commercial real estate investment and wealth management. - The company says the leadership change is not expected to materially alter day-to-day responsibilities. - Rand Sperry will remain actively involved in the business. - Burton Young will keep overseeing investment and portfolio strategy, capital relationships and broader operations.

The details: - Sperry Equities reported more than $255 million in total transaction volume so far in 2026. - That total includes $51.4 million in acquisitions. - The firm also posted $87.8 million in dispositions. - Financing activity accounted for $116.3 million. - The activity spans markets including Arizona and Colorado. - The company has acquired more than 120 properties. - Those assets represent more than $2.5 billion in transaction volume and 17.5 million square feet across major U.S. markets. - Sperry Equities says it has produced a 16% average gross IRR and a 2.0x average equity multiple. - The firm targets value-add deals in the $15 million to $50 million range. - Its focus includes Class A properties in secondary markets and Class B properties in primary markets. - Sperry Equities operates from five regional offices with more than 80 professionals. - The company's affiliate, Sperry Commercial, manages the holdings. - Sperry Commercial oversees more than 10 million square feet for Sperry Equities and third-party clients. - Sperry Commercial's portfolio spans Southern California, Northern California, Texas, Indiana, Atlanta, Phoenix, Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Columbus and Memphis. - Sperry Commercial says it represents about $1.2 billion in assets under management. - The firm is part of the broader SPERRY network of independently owned commercial real estate affiliates. - Jeremy Newman and Kevin Burton will be named partners in 2027. - Jack Carroll will serve as president of both Sperry Equities and Sperry Commercial. - Cornelius Mendez will continue as chief financial officer.

Between the lines: - The executive changes appear aimed at preserving continuity as the company expands its next layer of leadership. - Young's promotion underscores the firm's emphasis on investor relationships and operational execution. - The firm's reported 2026 volume suggests it is using a strong deal year to reinforce its management structure. - The leadership slate also signals a broader handoff to the next generation of partners.

What's next: - Sperry Equities plans to continue under the new CEO-chair structure with no major change to daily operations. - Newman and Burton are set to join the partner group in 2027. - Carroll and Mendez remain in place in senior operating and finance roles. - The company is positioned to keep pursuing value-add commercial real estate opportunities across its target markets.

The bottom line: - Sperry Equities is pairing a strong 2026 transaction year with a formal leadership transition built for continuity.