Simpson Housing Appoints Jason Kern as President and Chief Investment Officer

Veteran real estate executive will lead investment strategy and work with Domain Capital Group to expand institutional offerings

DENVER & ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Simpson Housing today announced Jason Kern has joined the company as president and chief investment officer.

Kern will report to Simpson Housing CEO Frank Rooney Jr. and work closely with the executive team at Domain Capital Group (“Domain”), which owns Simpson Housing. He will lead Simpson Housing’s investment strategy, portfolio and asset management, and transaction execution. Kern will also collaborate with Domain’s capital formation team to develop and bring new institutional opportunities to market.

“Jason brings deep investment judgment, institutional experience and a strong record of leading integrated real estate platforms,” Rooney said. “His leadership will help advance Simpson Housing’s growth while preserving the disciplined investment approach, operational excellence and resident focus that have long defined the Simpson organization.”

Kern has more than three decades of experience in real estate investment management, capital markets and business leadership. Most recently, he served as president of investment management at Cortland, where he oversaw portfolio management, acquisitions, asset management, research and strategy, development, and capital markets. Previously, he was CEO of the Americas for LaSalle Investment Management, leading a business with approximately $24 billion in assets under management. Earlier in his career, he held senior real estate advisory and investment banking roles at HSBC and J.P. Morgan in the United States, Europe and Asia.

“Simpson Housing has an outstanding team, a proven operating platform and a long track record of serving residents and investors,” Kern said. “I am excited to work with the teams at Simpson Housing and Domain to bring institutional-quality investment opportunities to market and create durable value for our capital partners.”

Kern’s appointment builds on Domain’s acquisition of Simpson Housing from the State of Michigan Retirement Systems earlier this year. Domain’s relationship with the Simpson organization spans more than three decades, including its service since 2008 as investment adviser overseeing the platform’s operations and investment strategy on behalf of the State of Michigan Retirement Systems. Simpson Housing and Domain plan to build on existing institutional partnerships and develop new investment offerings that combine Simpson Housing’s operating capabilities with Domain’s investment management platform.

“Jason’s appointment is an important next step in the strategy behind our acquisition of Simpson Housing,” said Patrick Leardo, CEO of Domain Capital Group. “His institutional investment management experience and collaborative approach will help strengthen the connection between Domain and Simpson Housing and support the development of compelling opportunities for our institutional partners.”

Kern holds an MBA in finance and accounting from the NYU Stern School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in economics and English literature from Colgate University.

About Domain Capital Group

Atlanta-based Domain Capital Group, LLC is a multi-strategy investment management firm serving institutional and private investors. As of March 31, 2026, Domain managed approximately $9.1 billion in total assets through its registered investment adviser subsidiaries. Domain invests across private markets including Real Estate; Media, Entertainment & Technology; Timberland & Natural Capital; and Special Situations. Within media and entertainment, the firm focuses on acquiring and developing high-quality film, television and music intellectual property, building portfolios centered on premium content and enduring creative assets. For more information, visit domaincapitalgroup.com.

About Simpson Housing

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Simpson Housing is an experienced, fully integrated real estate company providing multifamily property management, development and construction services. The company owns and/or manages over 24,000 residential units representing over $7.5 billion in gross asset value across 21 markets and 15 states from coast to coast. Since 1948, the Simpson organization has built a national reputation for high-quality residential communities, operational excellence and resident service.