Staff Reports | Business & Commerce
Harvard Investments today announced a leadership transition that moves Tim Brislin into the role of chief executive officer and president, while Craig Krumwiede, who has led the company as CEO and president since 1994, transitions to executive chairman.
The transition is part of the company’s long-term succession planning and is intended to support organizational continuity and future growth, according to a press release.
As CEO and president, Mr. Brislin will oversee the company’s operations, investment activities and development initiatives across the Southwestern United States. As executive chairman, Krumwiede will remain involved in the company’s long-term strategy, leadership development and major initiatives.
“This transition is the result of an intentional process that has been years in the making,” Craig Krumwiede, executive chairman of Harvard Investments, said. “I had the privilege of working alongside Tim for nearly two decades and watched him develop into an exceptional leader. He understands our culture, our passion for placemaking, and our responsibility to the communities we serve. I have complete confidence in his ability to lead Harvard Investments into its next chapter while remaining true to the values that have defined this company for generations.”
Mr. Krumwiede also expressed gratitude to the Hill family, owners of Harvard Investments through the Hill Companies, for its support throughout his tenure. He credited the family’s long-term vision, trust and commitment to the organization as important factors in the company’s growth.
“One of the greatest privileges of my career has been the opportunity to work alongside the Hill family. I had the honor of working with three generations of Hill leaders. Throughout that time, they have consistently demonstrated their commitment to Harvard Investments, its people, and its mission. I am deeply grateful for those relationships and confident that their stewardship and support will continue to serve Harvard well for generations to come,” Mr. Krumwiede said.
Mr. Brislin joined Harvard Investments in 2007 and was promoted to president in 2023. During his tenure, he has overseen acquisitions, development strategy, funding, entitlements, construction and growth initiatives across the company’s portfolio.
He also played a leadership role in the development of Harvard Investments’ master-planned communities in Arizona, Texas and New Mexico, the expansion of the company’s FirstStreet build-to-rent platform, and strategic acquisitions. Most recently, he helped guide project teams working on the Estrella and Solstice Foothills master-planned communities in Goodyear.
“It is an incredible honor to assume the role of CEO of Harvard Investments. Much of what I know about leadership, vision, and stewardship comes from learning alongside Craig and Senior Vice President Chris Cacheris, and the exceptional team we built together. Harvard Investments is about more than real estate,” Tim Brislin, CEO and president of Harvard Investments, said. “We create places where families thrive, businesses grow, and communities endure.”
Mr. Brislin’s real estate career spans more than 25 years, including nearly 20 years with Harvard Investments. He is active in numerous industry and community organizations, including the Urban Land Institute, Valley Partnership, Pinal Partnership, the National Association of Home Builders, the American Heart Association and the Luke Air Force Base Honorary Commanders Program.
Mr. Krumwiede’s tenure with the company spans more than four decades and includes its growth as a real estate investment and development organization operating throughout the Southwest. He has led the company through multiple economic cycles while emphasizing long-term value creation, development and community-building initiatives.
“What has always made Harvard special is our belief that great development begins with unique places and exceptional people,” Mr. Krumwiede said. “We don’t measure success by short-term results. We focus on creating enduring value for residents, businesses, partners, and communities. Looking back, I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished, and looking ahead, I am even more excited about what the next generation of leadership will achieve.”
Mr. Krumwiede serves as an Urban Land Institute governor and supports Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business. He is also involved with several civic and philanthropic organizations, including the C4 Foundation, which supports active-duty Navy SEALs and their families.
He also played a role in advancing Arizona’s “Ag to Urban” groundwater legislation, Senate Bill 1611, which established a framework for converting agricultural land to residential development while conserving water resources.
“I look forward to focusing on the long-term strategy of the company, supporting our leadership team, and advancing initiatives that strengthen Harvard, our industry, and the communities we serve,” Mr. Krumwiede said. “Arizona and the Southwest have provided tremendous opportunities for our company and our families over the years, and I remain deeply committed to helping ensure that the region’s future is every bit as strong as its past.”
