Safehold Inc. Appoints Michael Trachtenberg as President to Enhance Ground Lease Growth

Safehold Inc. Welcomes Michael Trachtenberg as New President to Drive Growth in Modern Ground Lease Sector

Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE), a pioneer in the modern ground lease industry, announces the appointment of Michael Trachtenberg as its new President, effective December 1, 2025. This strategic move comes at a time when the demand for innovative property lease structures is surging. Trachtenberg, who brings over 20 years of operational expertise in real estate, will oversee all company operations and work closely with CEO Jay Sugarman to enhance Safehold’s market position. Sugarman commends Trachtenberg for his results-oriented approach and his extensive background in institutional real estate investment management, which is crucial as property owners increasingly recognize the advantages of modern ground lease arrangements.

The modern ground lease sector is evolving, and Safehold finds itself at the forefront of this transformation. Trachtenberg’s appointment is particularly timely, as the real estate landscape continues to shift towards more flexible and efficient ownership models. With his extensive experience as the former President of the multibillion-dollar real estate fund manager Lubert-Adler, Trachtenberg has a proven track record of navigating complex real estate markets. His familiarity with diverse asset classes, ranging from multifamily and retail to mixed-use properties, positions him well to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the ground lease framework. This strategic leadership aims to not only bolster Safehold's existing portfolio but also to expand its reach in the industry.

In his new role, Trachtenberg is set to leverage Safehold's strong brand and competitive balance sheet to execute on the company's strategic priorities. His focus will be on delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns, enhancing overall performance, and driving growth across the organization. Lead Director Stefan Selig expresses confidence in Trachtenberg's capabilities, emphasizing the thorough search process that led to this significant appointment. As the industry continues to evolve, the leadership change signals Safehold's commitment to staying ahead of the curve and fully embracing the potential of modern ground lease structures.

In other developments, Safehold's leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment as the real estate sector increasingly embraces innovative financing structures. Trachtenberg's expertise is expected to bridge the gap between traditional real estate practices and modern investment strategies, positioning Safehold as a leader in the ground lease market. The company's ability to adapt and grow in response to changing market demands will be critical to its success in the coming years, especially as more property owners explore the benefits of ground leases.