Our Team
Years of experience in different industries, cultures, and countries.
Sam Zell
Chairman
Sam Zell was a global, opportunistic, often contrarian, investor. He specialized in identifying market anomalies and emerging trends, and had a long track record in turning around troubled companies and assets, leading industry consolidations, and bringing companies to the public markets. The majority of his investment portfolio was in energy, logistics, transportation, manufacturing, communications, healthcare, and real estate.
Sam founded and chaired Equity Group Investments and Equity International, serving on Equity International’s Investment Committee. He also chaired three public companies and was an active philanthropist with a focus on entrepreneurial education.
Education
University of Michigan, JD & BA
Board Participation
Equity Group Investments
Equity International
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Equity Commonwealth
Equity Residential
Sam Zell was a global, opportunistic, often contrarian, investor. He specialized in identifying market anomalies and emerging trends, and had a long track record in turning around troubled companies and assets, leading industry consolidations, and bringing companies to the public markets. The majority of his investment portfolio was in energy, logistics, transportation, manufacturing, communications, healthcare, and real estate.
Sam founded and chaired Equity Group Investments and Equity International, serving on Equity International’s Investment Committee. He also chaired three public companies and was an active philanthropist with a focus on entrepreneurial education.
Education
University of Michigan, JD & BA
Board Participation
Equity Group Investments
Equity International
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Equity Commonwealth
Equity Residential
Tom Heneghan
Chief Executive Officer
Tom Heneghan is Chief Executive Officer of Equity International, overseeing all the firm’s activities, as well as its strategic vision and goals. Tom also serves as Chairman of EI’s Management Committee and as a member of the firm’s Investment Committee. Since joining EI in 2013, Tom has broadened the firm’s mandate in both asset classes and geographies. Tom has worked within Sam Zell’s related companies for more than 30 years, including as Chief Executive Officer of Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. (NYSE: ELS). He continues to serve as Vice Chairman of ELS’s Board of Directors.
Tom is a senior managing director of Chai Trust Company, which is the trustee of various trusts in which Sam Zell and his family are beneficiaries.
Education
Augustana College, BA
Board Participation
Andean Telecom Partners
Chai Trust
Decameron
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Farmland Partners Inc.
Tom Heneghan is Chief Executive Officer of Equity International, overseeing all the firm’s activities, as well as its strategic vision and goals. Tom also serves as Chairman of EI’s Management Committee and as a member of the firm’s Investment Committee. Since joining EI in 2013, Tom has broadened the firm’s mandate in both asset classes and geographies. Tom has worked within Sam Zell’s related companies for more than 30 years, including as Chief Executive Officer of Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. (NYSE: ELS). He continues to serve as Vice Chairman of ELS’s Board of Directors.
Tom is a senior managing director of Chai Trust Company, which is the trustee of various trusts in which Sam Zell and his family are beneficiaries.
Education
Augustana College, BA
Board Participation
Andean Telecom Partners
Chai Trust
Decameron
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.
Farmland Partners Inc.
Marissa Crnkovich
Operations Administrator
Marissa Crnkovich serves as the Operations Administrator of Equity International. She works closely with the Managing Director of Finance & Tax and the Chief Compliance Officer. She is actively involved in all facets of EI’s business including office and project management functions, entity maintenance, and portfolio company transactions.
Prior to joining EI, Marissa worked at CA Ventures, a global real estate investment firm, where she held the position of Vice President – Global Administrative Operations. She also served as the Director of Administration at GTCR, a Chicago-based private equity firm, and a Client Service Manager at Kirkland & Ellis, a renowned, international law firm. She brings more than 25 years of operational experience in management across multiple businesses.
Education
Robert Morris University
Marissa Crnkovich serves as the Operations Administrator of Equity International. She works closely with the Managing Director of Finance & Tax and the Chief Compliance Officer. She is actively involved in all facets of EI’s business including office and project management functions, entity maintenance, and portfolio company transactions.
Prior to joining EI, Marissa worked at CA Ventures, a global real estate investment firm, where she held the position of Vice President – Global Administrative Operations. She also served as the Director of Administration at GTCR, a Chicago-based private equity firm, and a Client Service Manager at Kirkland & Ellis, a renowned, international law firm. She brings more than 25 years of operational experience in management across multiple businesses.
Education
Robert Morris University
Laura Hernandez
Executive Assistant
Laura Hernandez is an Executive Assistant supporting the Chief Executive Officer and the Investments team. Laura handles a wide range of administrative and executive responsibilities, bringing a high level of willingness, collaboration, dedication, and enthusiasm to the organization. She draws on over 15 years of experience working within the Zell Organization, including supporting other EI C-suite executives and collaborating with teams across the wider network.
Prior to joining EI in 2015, Laura worked at Equity Group Investments, Sam Zell’s privately held investment firm in Chicago, as an administrative assistant to the Managing Director, General Counsel, and Corporate Investments team. Laura is fluent in Spanish.
Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, BBA
Laura Hernandez is an Executive Assistant supporting the Chief Executive Officer and the Investments team. Laura handles a wide range of administrative and executive responsibilities, bringing a high level of willingness, collaboration, dedication, and enthusiasm to the organization. She draws on over 15 years of experience working within the Zell Organization, including supporting other EI C-suite executives and collaborating with teams across the wider network.
Prior to joining EI in 2015, Laura worked at Equity Group Investments, Sam Zell’s privately held investment firm in Chicago, as an administrative assistant to the Managing Director, General Counsel, and Corporate Investments team. Laura is fluent in Spanish.
Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, BBA
Adam Kost
Associate | Investments
Adam Kost is an Associate in the Investments group, primarily responsible for portfolio management and deal execution. Adam joined Equity International in September 2022.
Prior to EI, Adam worked at The Scion Group, the largest owner/operator of off-campus student housing communities globally, for three years focusing on asset management and valuation. Previously, Adam spent three years working in Corporate Banking at BMO Capital Markets covering FC&R and insurance sectors.
Education
Butler University, BS
Adam Kost is an Associate in the Investments group, primarily responsible for portfolio management and deal execution. Adam joined Equity International in September 2022.
Prior to EI, Adam worked at The Scion Group, the largest owner/operator of off-campus student housing communities globally, for three years focusing on asset management and valuation. Previously, Adam spent three years working in Corporate Banking at BMO Capital Markets covering FC&R and insurance sectors.
Education
Butler University, BS
Josh Livingstone
Managing Director | Investments
Josh Livingstone is a Managing Director in the Investments group, primarily responsible for origination of new investments, deal execution and portfolio management. Josh joined Equity International in 2014 after interning with the firm for one year.
Prior to EI, Josh worked in HSBC’s Latin America investment banking group, focusing on diligence, valuation, and execution of complex, cross-border mergers and acquisitions involving real estate, infrastructure, consumer goods, and telecom companies. He spent two years with the group in New York and two years in São Paulo, Brazil. Josh is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.
Education
University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MBA
Brown University, AB
Board Participation
GuardeAqui
Josh Livingstone is a Managing Director in the Investments group, primarily responsible for origination of new investments, deal execution and portfolio management. Josh joined Equity International in 2014 after interning with the firm for one year.
Prior to EI, Josh worked in HSBC’s Latin America investment banking group, focusing on diligence, valuation, and execution of complex, cross-border mergers and acquisitions involving real estate, infrastructure, consumer goods, and telecom companies. He spent two years with the group in New York and two years in São Paulo, Brazil. Josh is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.
Education
University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MBA
Brown University, AB
Board Participation
GuardeAqui
Nicole Moy
Chief Compliance Officer & Vice President | Investor Relations
Nicole Moy oversees Equity International’s compliance program as Chief Compliance Officer, is Vice President of Investor Relations, and is a member of EI’s Operations Committee. Nicole works in close collaboration with employees across the organization, particularly with the Investments, Accounting, and Tax teams, to facilitate compliance with policies and regulations. Nicole manages the investor relations program acting as a liaison between the firm and limited partners, including financial reporting, investor meetings, and other communication. Nicole also assists with portfolio management of two EI portfolio companies.
Nicole joined Equity International in 2007 previously as a member of the Accounting and Treasury group and Investor Relations team.
Education
Northwestern University, BA
Nicole Moy oversees Equity International’s compliance program as Chief Compliance Officer, is Vice President of Investor Relations, and is a member of EI’s Operations Committee. Nicole works in close collaboration with employees across the organization, particularly with the Investments, Accounting, and Tax teams, to facilitate compliance with policies and regulations. Nicole manages the investor relations program acting as a liaison between the firm and limited partners, including financial reporting, investor meetings, and other communication. Nicole also assists with portfolio management of two EI portfolio companies.
Nicole joined Equity International in 2007 previously as a member of the Accounting and Treasury group and Investor Relations team.
Education
Northwestern University, BA
Carlos Peniche
Vice President
Carlos Peniche is a Vice President in the Investments group. He is primarily responsible for deal execution and portfolio management. Carlos joined Equity International in 2023, after working as a consultant with the firm for one year.
Prior to EI, Carlos worked at Lexington Partners, focusing on secondary and co-investment transactions across Latin America. Before Lexington Partners, he worked at J.P. Morgan’s Latin America investment banking group, focusing on diligence, valuation, and execution of complex, cross-border mergers and acquisitions involving real estate, infrastructure, consumer goods, retail, and telecom companies. He spent four years with the group in Mexico City and one year in New York. Carlos is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.
Education
University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MBA
ESCP-Europe, MiM
Tecnologico de Monterrey, B.A. in Financial Management
Carlos Peniche is a Vice President in the Investments group. He is primarily responsible for deal execution and portfolio management. Carlos joined Equity International in 2023, after working as a consultant with the firm for one year.
Prior to EI, Carlos worked at Lexington Partners, focusing on secondary and co-investment transactions across Latin America. Before Lexington Partners, he worked at J.P. Morgan’s Latin America investment banking group, focusing on diligence, valuation, and execution of complex, cross-border mergers and acquisitions involving real estate, infrastructure, consumer goods, retail, and telecom companies. He spent four years with the group in Mexico City and one year in New York. Carlos is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.
Education
University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MBA
ESCP-Europe, MiM
Tecnologico de Monterrey, B.A. in Financial Management
Lisa Reichenbach
Managing Director - Chief Financial Officer
Lisa Reichenbach oversees financial reporting, treasury, tax, and transaction structuring and is a member of EI’s Management Committee and Operations Committee. Her broad responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer include participating in portfolio management alongside members of the Investments team, as well as managing EI’s operations. Lisa participates in various portfolio company committees and works closely with the portfolio management companies, developing tax and accounting solutions that align with portfolio company business goals.
Prior to joining EI in 2010, Lisa worked in KPMG’s International Corporate Services focusing on outbound investments for private equity funds.
Education
DePaul University, BS
Board Participation
Acosta Verde
ARG Realty
Lisa Reichenbach oversees financial reporting, treasury, tax, and transaction structuring and is a member of EI’s Management Committee and Operations Committee. Her broad responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer include participating in portfolio management alongside members of the Investments team, as well as managing EI’s operations. Lisa participates in various portfolio company committees and works closely with the portfolio management companies, developing tax and accounting solutions that align with portfolio company business goals.
Prior to joining EI in 2010, Lisa worked in KPMG’s International Corporate Services focusing on outbound investments for private equity funds.
Education
DePaul University, BS
Board Participation
Acosta Verde
ARG Realty
Eduardo Romero
Portfolio Manager
Eduardo Romero serves as a Portfolio Manager of Equity International. In this role, he oversees the management and monetization activities of certain EI investments.
Prior to joining EI, Eduardo was an Associate Partner, Head of Alternative Investments at BTG Pactual. Eduardo has over 20 years of investment experience including roles as Managing Director of North Shore Venture Partners, Partner at CHG, Managing Director at Bank of America, and Vice President at Nations Bank Securities.
Eduardo Romero serves as a Portfolio Manager of Equity International. In this role, he oversees the management and monetization activities of certain EI investments.
Prior to joining EI, Eduardo was an Associate Partner, Head of Alternative Investments at BTG Pactual. Eduardo has over 20 years of investment experience including roles as Managing Director of North Shore Venture Partners, Partner at CHG, Managing Director at Bank of America, and Vice President at Nations Bank Securities.
Ed Slapansky
Portfolio Manager
Ed Slapansky serves as a Portfolio Manager of Equity International. In this role, he oversees the management and monetization activities of certain EI investments.
Ed has over 20 years of experience as both an advisor and an investor. His previous experience includes roles as Portfolio Manager at both AllianceBernstein’s Arya Fund and Visium Asset Management. Ed also worked as a Vice President in Blackstone’s Restructuring and Reorganization Group.
Education
University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MBA
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, BS
Ed Slapansky serves as a Portfolio Manager of Equity International. In this role, he oversees the management and monetization activities of certain EI investments.
Ed has over 20 years of experience as both an advisor and an investor. His previous experience includes roles as Portfolio Manager at both AllianceBernstein’s Arya Fund and Visium Asset Management. Ed also worked as a Vice President in Blackstone’s Restructuring and Reorganization Group.
Education
University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MBA
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, BS
Philip Tinkler
Vice President | Accounting
Philip is vice president of accounting, overseeing a broad spectrum of finance and accounting matters. He also serves as chief financial officer of Equity Group Investments (EGI), managing the company’s financial services group and working closely with the investment team to structure transactions, assist in financial due diligence, and facilitate bank discussions.
Philip has worked with Sam Zell’s related companies for more than 30 years. He is currently on the board of two of EGI’s portfolio companies, Veridiam, Inc., a specialty alloy manufacturer serving the nuclear power, medical, aerospace, and industrial markets, and Ardent Health Services, a provider of hospital and health care services. He is also CFO of Chai Trust Company, LLC.
Earlier in his career, Philip served as the CEO and CFO of First Capital Financial, LLC, and as the managing general partner of the First Capital real estate funds. He began his career at Ernst & Young.
Education
DePaul University, MS
Northern Illinois University, BS
Philip is vice president of accounting, overseeing a broad spectrum of finance and accounting matters. He also serves as chief financial officer of Equity Group Investments (EGI), managing the company’s financial services group and working closely with the investment team to structure transactions, assist in financial due diligence, and facilitate bank discussions.
Philip has worked with Sam Zell’s related companies for more than 30 years. He is currently on the board of two of EGI’s portfolio companies, Veridiam, Inc., a specialty alloy manufacturer serving the nuclear power, medical, aerospace, and industrial markets, and Ardent Health Services, a provider of hospital and health care services. He is also CFO of Chai Trust Company, LLC.
Earlier in his career, Philip served as the CEO and CFO of First Capital Financial, LLC, and as the managing general partner of the First Capital real estate funds. He began his career at Ernst & Young.
Education
DePaul University, MS
Northern Illinois University, BS
Korey Weyers
Vice President
Korey is vice president of accounting, primarily responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial reporting for Equity International’s funds, and is a member of EI’s Operations Committee. Prior to joining EI in 2024, Korey worked within the Zell organization for more than 20 years. Earlier in his career, Korey was a senior auditor in the financial services group with Ernst & Young where he focused primarily on private equity and hedge funds, banking, and insurance clients. He began his career as a staff auditor at Arthur Andersen.
Education
Bradley University, BA
Korey is vice president of accounting, primarily responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial reporting for Equity International’s funds, and is a member of EI’s Operations Committee. Prior to joining EI in 2024, Korey worked within the Zell organization for more than 20 years. Earlier in his career, Korey was a senior auditor in the financial services group with Ernst & Young where he focused primarily on private equity and hedge funds, banking, and insurance clients. He began his career as a staff auditor at Arthur Andersen.
Education
Bradley University, BA
Advisors
Enrique Castillo
Advisor
Enrique Castillo founded Prima CG in 2021 and he acts as CEO providing alternative assets solutions across geographies. Prior to Prima CG, he was founder and CEO of Capital Global and Vice President of Investments at Grupo MRP involved in underwriting commercial real estate and creating an alternative assets investment platform since 2018. Previously, Enrique was Managing Director at H.I.G. Capital where he established and lead the Mexico office responsible of investing in private equity across Spanish speaking Latam. Before HIG, Enrique was Managing Director of Nexxus Capital where he spent 10 year investing in Private Equity and he also worked for Equity International investing in real estate operating companies across emerging markets. Mr. Castillo has over 20 years of experience in alternatives with particular focus in Private Equity, Real Estate and Credit. He served as a member of the Investment Committee of the Infonavit Housing Fund and currently serves as board member of Fibra Storage (BMV:STORAGE*) and Grupo Acosta Verde (BMV:GAVA).
Education
Universidad Iberoamericana, BS
INSEAD, MBA
Board Participation
Fibra Storage
Grupo Acosta Verde
Enrique Castillo founded Prima CG in 2021 and he acts as CEO providing alternative assets solutions across geographies. Prior to Prima CG, he was founder and CEO of Capital Global and Vice President of Investments at Grupo MRP involved in underwriting commercial real estate and creating an alternative assets investment platform since 2018. Previously, Enrique was Managing Director at H.I.G. Capital where he established and lead the Mexico office responsible of investing in private equity across Spanish speaking Latam. Before HIG, Enrique was Managing Director of Nexxus Capital where he spent 10 year investing in Private Equity and he also worked for Equity International investing in real estate operating companies across emerging markets. Mr. Castillo has over 20 years of experience in alternatives with particular focus in Private Equity, Real Estate and Credit. He served as a member of the Investment Committee of the Infonavit Housing Fund and currently serves as board member of Fibra Storage (BMV:STORAGE*) and Grupo Acosta Verde (BMV:GAVA).
Education
Universidad Iberoamericana, BS
INSEAD, MBA
Board Participation
Fibra Storage
Grupo Acosta Verde
David Contis
Advisor
David Contis is a member of Acosta Verde’s Board of Directors as an independent director and is an advisor to ARG Realty, providing a valuable resource and 35 years of experience in global commercial real estate. David also advises Mall Plaza and Falabella, which are based in Chile. David has extensive experience in the retail real estate sector in his previous roles as President of the Mall Platform at Simon Property Group, the largest publicly traded real estate company in the world, and as Chief Operating Officer at The Macerich Company, an $18 billion REIT focused on U.S. regional malls.
Previously, David worked at Equity Group Investments and various affiliates of Sam Zell’s investment firm, specializing in retail real estate development. David has participated on the Board of Directors for several real estate companies, including BRMALLS in Brazil, Latin America’s largest shopping mall company, where he currently serves as an advisor.
Education
DePaul University, JD and BS
Board Participation
Acosta Verde
BRMALLS
David Contis is a member of Acosta Verde’s Board of Directors as an independent director and is an advisor to ARG Realty, providing a valuable resource and 35 years of experience in global commercial real estate. David also advises Mall Plaza and Falabella, which are based in Chile. David has extensive experience in the retail real estate sector in his previous roles as President of the Mall Platform at Simon Property Group, the largest publicly traded real estate company in the world, and as Chief Operating Officer at The Macerich Company, an $18 billion REIT focused on U.S. regional malls.
Previously, David worked at Equity Group Investments and various affiliates of Sam Zell’s investment firm, specializing in retail real estate development. David has participated on the Board of Directors for several real estate companies, including BRMALLS in Brazil, Latin America’s largest shopping mall company, where he currently serves as an advisor.
Education
DePaul University, JD and BS
Board Participation
Acosta Verde
BRMALLS
Scott Peppet
Advisor
Scott Peppet is the President of the Chai Trust Company and serves on its Board of Directors, as well as on Equity Group Investment’s Investment Committee. Scott is also a member of EI’s investment committee. He serves on the Board of Anixter International, Inc., and of Equity Lifestyle Properties. He has a background in law and finance.
Education
Harvard Law School, JD
Cornell University, BA
Board Participation
Anixter International
Equity LifeStyle Properties
Scott Peppet is the President of the Chai Trust Company and serves on its Board of Directors, as well as on Equity Group Investment’s Investment Committee. Scott is also a member of EI’s investment committee. He serves on the Board of Anixter International, Inc., and of Equity Lifestyle Properties. He has a background in law and finance.
Education
Harvard Law School, JD
Cornell University, BA
Board Participation
Anixter International
Equity LifeStyle Properties
Sheli Rosenberg
Advisor
Sheli Rosenberg is a principal with Roselin Investments. Previously, she was a member of the Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Real Estate Group, having joined the firm’s Chicago office in 2011. Sheli is the former president, chief executive officer and vice chairman of Equity Group Investments, L.L.C. She joined EGI in 1980 as the company’s general counsel and rose to become CEO before retiring in 2003. Prior to joining EGI, Sheli was one of six managing partners at Schiff Hardin & Waite, Chicago, specializing in real estate, finance, and corporate law, and was the first woman to become a capital partner at that firm.
Sheli serves on the board of directors/trustees of a number of public and private corporations, foundations, and community and charitable organizations. She is a forceful advocate for women in business and is past president of The Chicago Network and director of The National Partnership for Women & Families and The Women’s Issues Network Foundation. Sheli is a co-founder and former president of the Center for Executive Women at Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Education
Northwestern University School of Law, JD
Tufts University, BA
Sheli Rosenberg is a principal with Roselin Investments. Previously, she was a member of the Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Real Estate Group, having joined the firm’s Chicago office in 2011. Sheli is the former president, chief executive officer and vice chairman of Equity Group Investments, L.L.C. She joined EGI in 1980 as the company’s general counsel and rose to become CEO before retiring in 2003. Prior to joining EGI, Sheli was one of six managing partners at Schiff Hardin & Waite, Chicago, specializing in real estate, finance, and corporate law, and was the first woman to become a capital partner at that firm.
Sheli serves on the board of directors/trustees of a number of public and private corporations, foundations, and community and charitable organizations. She is a forceful advocate for women in business and is past president of The Chicago Network and director of The National Partnership for Women & Families and The Women’s Issues Network Foundation. Sheli is a co-founder and former president of the Center for Executive Women at Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Education
Northwestern University School of Law, JD
Tufts University, BA