Crescent Communities Names Jay Curran Chairman and CEO in Leadership Transition

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Crescent Communities, a nationally recognized real estate investor, developer, and operator of mixed-use communities, announced April 28, 2026, that Jay Curran has been appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Brian Natwick, who is resigning after more than 20 years with the firm, including five years as CEO.

The transition, made in alignment with parent company Sumitomo Forestry America, positions Curran — most recently President of Multifamily — to lead the Charlotte-based firm across its diversified platform spanning multifamily, commercial, industrial, and life sciences development.

A Successor Shaped by Multifamily Real Estate

Curran joined Crescent Communities in 2013 and has spent more than a decade building the firm's multifamily and build-to-rent businesses. In his most recent role, he oversaw investment, development, and operations across many of the nation's fastest-growing markets, helping scale the multifamily platform into a multibillion-dollar portfolio.

"Crescent Communities is an exceptional organization built on a 60-year legacy of excellence, with a strong foundation and talented team," Curran said. "I'm honored to step into this role and build on that legacy, while continuing to support our teams, strengthen our partnerships, and lead the company into its next phase of growth."

The company said its leadership team, strategy, and day-to-day operations will remain consistent as part of the transition.

Natwick's Legacy: Platform Expansion Across Asset Classes

Natwick's tenure was marked by significant platform diversification. Under his leadership, Crescent Communities launched its AXIAL industrial brand and THE YIELD life sciences platform, expanding the firm's commercial footprint. The company also deepened its presence across key Sun Belt markets during his five years as CEO.

Since its founding in 1963, Crescent Communities' development portfolio has included more than 95 multifamily communities, 26 million square feet of commercial space, and over 60 master-planned communities. The firm operates offices in Charlotte, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Orlando, Nashville, Dallas, Austin, Denver, and Phoenix.

Ownership Signals Confidence in Continuity

Yujiro Yoshizawa, President of Sumitomo Forestry America, expressed support for the appointment. "We are confident that Jay is the right leader to guide the company forward," Yoshizawa said. "He brings a strong track record, deep knowledge of the business, and trusted relationships across the organization and with our partners, built over more than a decade with Crescent Communities. We look forward to working with him as the company continues to grow and build on its momentum."

A Diversified Platform

Crescent Communities brands its multifamily communities under three labels — NOVEL (urban), RENDER (suburban), and HARMON (build-to-rent) — and its commercial developments under AXIAL (industrial), THE YIELD (life science), and BOWER (office). The breadth of the platform reflects the firm's strategy of participating across multiple real estate development asset classes.

Curran's appointment as both Chairman and CEO consolidates governance and operational authority under a single leader with deep familiarity across the firm's business lines, having been with Crescent Communities since 2013.