Rewriting the Future of Retail Real Estate with Ross Cooper, President & CIO, Kimco

Mindset. Teachability. Mentorship. Culture. These concepts may seem like secondary business principles, but featured guest Ross Cooper tells host Aaron Strauss he believes they are Kimco Realty’s edge in becoming North America’s largest publicly traded owner and operator of open air grocery anchored shopping centers and mixed used assets – and the reason both the company and its people have successfully weathered multiple market downturns and the recent global crisis.

Learn how Kimco executives embraced the lessons of the Great Recession, adjusted their portfolio and purpose in preparation for the next downturn, and ultimately put the company in a strong enough position to not only survive the pandemic, but be able to assist those retailers who found themselves struggling. Other topics include:

  • Evaluating the volatility of a post-pandemic retail real estate market;
  • What to expect for the near future of the real estate acquisition market;
  • How Kimco’s redevelopment capabilities will further diversify its existing properties;
  • The importance of collaboration, communication, mentorship, and trusted teamwork in driving Kimco’s efforts forward; and
  • Ross’s advice to those looking to enter the owner-investor world, and so much more.

Ross Cooper is President and Chief Investment Officer of Kimco Realty Corporation. In this role, he works closely with Kimco’s Investment Committee, risk team, and regional leadership in overseeing the development and implementation of Kimco’s acquisition and disposition strategy. Ross is also a voting member of the Company’s Investment Committee which approves all new investments, development projects and property dispositions. Prior to his current role, Ross served as an Executive Vice President of the company and as Vice President of Acquisitions, Dispositions and Asset Management in Kimco’s Southern Region. He holds a B.S. degree from the University of Michigan, and a Master’s degree in Real Estate from New York University.


The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss highlights the stories, successes, and struggles behind major commercial real estate investors. Each episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at commercial real estate leaders and their unique edge.

Hosted by Aaron Y. Strauss, Managing Partner at A.Y. Strauss

Aaron Y. Strauss is one of the leading legal advisors in the commercial real estate industry, providing insight and guidance for billions worth of transactions during his career. As our firm’s founder and managing partner, he has positioned A.Y. Strauss as one of the region’s most respected law firms for commercial real estate owners, lenders and sponsors, serving the needs of our clients with the utmost in care, integrity and transparency.