For Immediate Release
August 1, 2014
Downtown Detroit Partnership Announces Eric Larson as Acting CEO
Detroit – The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) announced, today, that Eric Larson will expand his commitment to the organization by serving as acting CEO. In this position, Larson will be responsible for the leadership of DDP’s operations as well as setting the strategic direction for the future of the organization.
Larson is a long-time DDP board member and succeeds Dave Blaszkiewicz, who for the past three years had served a dual role as president and CEO of the DDP and Invest Detroit. On June 30, Blaszkiewicz stepped down from his position with the DDP to focus solely on Invest Detroit and Larson was tapped by the Board’s Executive Committee to help with operations and strategy for the organization.
“The DDP is at a critical moment in time when proven and consistent leadership is needed to drive our key initiatives, including the implementation of the recently passed Business Improvement Zone, support for our stakeholders during M-1 RAIL construction, safety and security coordination, and the activation of our public spaces,” said Cynthia J. Pasky, chair of the DDP. “Eric’s professional expertise and institutional knowledge provides a solid platform for the future growth of the DDP and our city.”
Larson is the founder, president and CEO of Larson Realty Group and has been involved with the DDP as a board member since 1995, including chairman and board member of its preceding organizations, Detroit Downtown Inc. and the Central Business District Association. He has handled nearly $3 billion of real estate investment, with key projects such as the General Motors’ redevelopment of the Renaissance Center, the Millender Center, One Detroit Center and the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education/Argonaut Building.
“It is truly an honor to continue contributing to the revitalization of Downtown Detroit through this position,” said Larson. “I have been a longtime champion of the DDP and I’m thrilled to work more closely with the talented team in place.”
Larson will remain president and chief executive officer of Larson Realty Group which is a privately owned company engaged in real estate investment, development, asset management, leasing and consulting. He also will continue his consulting relationship with Rock Ventures, where he was co-managing partner of Bedrock Real Estate Services.
Larson serves as chair of The Robert C. Larson Leadership Initiative and Urban Land Institute (ULI) Detroit Governance Committee and of the Parade Company. He also has previously served as chairman of Detroit Downtown, Inc., The ULI Detroit District Council and Detroit Downtown Partnership. He is a trustee, governor and/or board member of Community Investment Support Fund (which he founded), Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont Hospital Oncology Campaign Committee, The Urban Land Institute, The Urban Land Institute’s Leadership Council, LOCUS, Southeast Michigan Community Foundation, Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce, The Building Operators Management Association (BOMA), and The Real Estate Roundtable.
