Local Industry Leader Rob Steward Joins Oppidan’s Southeast Office as EVP of Development

Raleigh, N.C. – (MARCH 14, 2025) – Oppidan Investment Company, a national property development firm headquartered in Excelsior, Minn., has expanded its Southeast regional leadership with the hiring of Rob Steward as Executive Vice President of Development in its Apex, NC office. Steward, a well-respected real estate industry leader in the Raleigh area, will lead Oppidan’s development efforts in the Southeast, focusing on retail, multifamily, affordable housing, land, industrial and office development, further diversifying the company’s footprint in the rapidly growing region.

Steward brings more than 17 years of real estate development experience, having developedmore than one million square feet of mixed-use, multifamily, retail, and hotel projects. Before joining Oppidan, he spent more than eight years with Hoffman & Associates in Washington, DC, and Raleigh, NC, where he played a pivotal role in shaping major projects like Seaboard Station in Raleigh. His experience also includes serving as Director for Hines Interests, where he led multifamily and office developments, and as Director in CBRE’s capital markets group, advising on the disposition of over $1 billion in assets annually.

“Rob is the perfect leader to drive our growth in the Southeast,” said Patrick Barrett, Oppidan Chief Development Officer. “With his deep industry expertise, strong market relationships, and track record of successful developments, we are confident that Oppidan will continue to expand its presence and impact in the region under his leadership.”

Steward’s development expertise has earned recognition, with projects winning Raleigh’s Best New Apartment Community and two Downtown Raleigh Alliance Imprint Awards for contributions to the city’s economic development. An active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), he is deeply engaged in shaping the future of commercial real estate in the Southeast.

“I’m excited to join Oppidan  help build upon its success and expand upon the firm’s product offerings throughout the Southeast,” said Steward. “The region’s growth trajectory, coupled with Oppidan’s financial strength, makes our firm well-positioned to deliver innovative, community-focused projects. I look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to create impactful developments that support economic growth and enhance communities.”

As the Southeast continues to see explosive growth, Steward’s leadership will be instrumental in expanding Oppidan’s real estate portfolio and forging new partnerships. Notable Oppidan projects in the Southeast include:

• Affordable housing:
  • Birch & Branch – Raleigh, NC
  • Pines at Peach Road – Raleigh, NC
  • Barton Oaks – Raleigh, NC
• Industrial:
  • Blue Ridge Commerce Center - Flat Rock, N.C.
  • Apex Commerce Center – Apex, NC
• Data Center - Aiken, S.C.
• Mixed-Use: Highline – Apex, NC
• Land Development: Wendell Commerce Center, Wendell, NC