Safehold Names Michael Trachtenberg President to Lead Ground Lease Platform

NEW YORK — December 1, 2025 — Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE) announced the appointment of Michael Trachtenberg as president. Trachtenberg, a real estate industry veteran with more than two decades of operational experience, will oversee operations and execution across the business, working directly with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jay Sugarman.

Leadership Appointment

According to Safehold, the appointment follows an extensive search process conducted by the board of directors. Lead Director Stefan Selig said the board was confident that Trachtenberg’s leadership, real estate experience, and relationships would add immediate value and help guide the company’s next phase of growth.

“Michael is a sophisticated, results-driven operator with deep expertise in institutional real estate investment management,” Sugarman said in the announcement. “He joins at a time when the company has a growing opportunity set, and property owners are increasingly recognizing the strategic and financial benefits of modern ground lease structures.”

Background and Experience

Trachtenberg joins Safehold from Lubert-Adler, a multibillion-dollar real estate fund manager, where he most recently served as president. He was a key member of the firm’s senior leadership team involved in a wide range of real estate initiatives, including new investments, portfolio management, investor engagement, and operational functions. During his nearly 20 years at Lubert-Adler, he invested across major U.S. real estate markets and asset classes, including multifamily, retail, hotel, and mixed-use properties. He was also involved in structuring joint ventures, recapitalizations, and portfolio acquisitions.

Prior to joining Lubert-Adler in 2005, Trachtenberg worked as an analyst at Merrill Lynch. In a statement, he said he looked forward to working with Sugarman and the Safehold team to execute on strategic priorities and deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns.

Company Overview

Safehold describes itself as the creator and leader of the modern ground lease industry. The company focuses on providing property owners with long-term, lower-cost capital through ground lease structures designed to enhance capital efficiency and long-term value creation.

Source

Safehold Inc. press release, December 1, 2025