Larson Joins Olympia Development as Non-Executive President

DETROIT, Oct. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The appointment of veteran real estate executive Eric B. Larson as Non-Executive President of Olympia Development of Michigan, Inc. was announced today by Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.  The appointment is effective immediately. Larson will join the organization as an executive real estate consultant which will allow him to maintain his private real estate firm, Larson Realty Group, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

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"We are pleased that Eric will oversee our Olympia Development team. Given his strong record of accomplishments in the industry and his strong entrepreneurial and leadership skills, Eric can make an immediate and significant impact on our organization," said Ilitch.  "His experience in all aspects of real estate development and investment will greatly enhance our operations. And, his strong relationships and knowledge of the Detroit community and local market will certainly be a plus in this role."

As head of Olympia Development, Mr. Larson will lead all of our current and future real estate development projects, as well as property management for all Olympia Development properties.  He will also be actively involved in our organization's economic development activities throughout downtown Detroit and beyond.  

Mr. Larson will remain president and chief executive officer of Larson Realty Group. He is also the founder and president of Community Investment Support Fund, a nonprofit organization established to promote economic development and facilitate investment of capital in support of community revitalization and the nonprofit sector.

Prior to establishing Larson Realty Group, Mr. Larson was a partner and senior vice president with Bruce S. Brickman & Associates, Inc., a New York-based real estate company.  Prior to that position, he held several senior positions with Hines Interests Limited Partnership, a privately owned full service international real estate company. While serving as a vice president with Hines, Mr. Larson managed the 140-plus person staff of the Hines Detroit office and was responsible for the company's advisory role with General Motors. He helped to coordinate GM's purchase of the 5.5 million square-foot Renaissance Center and oversaw both property and development management services during that period.  Among many other responsibilities, his first project for Hines in Detroit was the development of the one million square-foot One Detroit Center.

Mr. Larson has served as chairman of The Robert C. Larson Leadership Initiative and Urban Land Institute (ULI) Detroit Governance Committee.  He served as chairman of Detroit Downtown, Inc., The ULI Detroit District Council, Detroit Downtown Partnership and The Detroit Business Improvement District.  He is a trustee, governor and/or member of Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont Hospital Oncology Campaign Committee, The Urban Land Institute, The Urban Land Institute's Leadership Council, LOCUS, The Detroit Parade Company Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Grand Jester of The Distinguished Clown Corp, Southeast Michigan Community Foundation, Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce, The Building Operators Management Association (BOMA), and The Real Estate Roundtable. Mr. Larson is a past trustee and/or member of the Detroit Institute of Arts Junior Council, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Pewabic Pottery Board of Directors, Detroit Historical Society Board of Directors, The Detroit Eastern Market Advisory Services Panel, Harvard School of Design Advisory Panel, mentor at The University of Michigan School of Architecture, Marian High School Dad's Club, University of Michigan – ULI Real Estate Forum Committee, The United States Green Building Council and Southeast Michigan Council of Governments.

Mr. Larson and his wife Kathy reside in Bloomfield Village and have two daughters.

SOURCE Olympia Development