Allen Gross, Chairman & CEO of GFI Capital Resources Group, brings over 40 years of real estate expertise to the company. In 1978, Mr. Gross started as a real estate transactional attorney and soon established a neighborhood mortgage banking business while seeking opportunities to rehabilitate under-performing multifamily assets. This later became the foundation for GFI’s property management portfolio which currently manages close to 16,000 residential apartment units throughout the country. In 1979, Mr. Gross started focusing his attention on developing and converting various condominium and cooperative projects.  His ability to maintain strong lender relationships has enabled Mr. Gross to also be a driving force in the commercial sales and finance markets. Among his many accomplishments includes the development of the Ace Hotel New York, a 275-room boutique hotel that was internationally praised by publications such as The New York Times and Wallpaper Magazine, as well as winning a coveted award for best boutique design hotel from Interior Design magazine. Allen’s main emphasis has been on creating value in any project he’s involved in; which includes neighborhood revitalization. Mr. Gross’s most recent strategic development was The Beekman Hotel & Residences in downtown Manhattan. This unique, historic structure, together with an adjacent site, has been converted into a luxury hotel consisting of 287 guestrooms and 67 residences and has become a catalyst in the revitalization of lower Manhattan with its close proximity to major landmarks including the new One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) and the New Fulton Street Transportation Center. The Beekman Hotel has been featured in many elite publications including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Hotels Magazine, and Vogue. The Beekman has received multiple awards including Travel & Leisure Magazines, “Best Hotels in New York State,” and Trip Advisors “Best 5 Star Hotels In New York City 2017.” Mr. Gross is not only an established entrepreneur, but also serves his community by guest-lecturing at universities, real estate symposiums, and various other organizations.

As Managing Director & General Counsel, Mr. Braz directs all of the day-to-day legal affairs of GFI and its affiliates, including the planning, structuring and negotiation of complex transactions, joint ventures, regulatory and compliance matters and corporate governance. Mr. Braz is a member of GFI’s Executive and Investment Committees and coordinates execution of the Company’s investment strategies. Prior to joining GFI, Mr. Braz was the Director of Legal Services for Africa Israel, USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Africa Israel Investments, where he advised the company on all legal matters concerning the company’s U.S. real estate holdings. At Africa Israel, Mr. Braz played a key role on development projects including: 20 Pine- the Collection, a conversion of a high rise office building in Manhattan’s financial district to 409 luxury condominium residences and ground floor retail, the ground-up development of the Marquis, a 67-story luxury condominium and hotel located in downtown Miami and the redevelopment of the Times Square Building. Mr. Braz earned his bachelor’s degree, from Clark University, cum laude with honors in Economics, and received a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.