Silverstein appoints Co-CEO to head U.S., international expansion

Martin Burger has been appointed co-CEO of Silverstein Properties and will spearhead the firm’s expansion to China, as well as throughout the U.S. and Europe, according to a statement from the developer today.

The developer of the 2, 3 and 4 World Trade Center buildings, which has nearly doubled the size of its staff since 2006, is further emphasizing the continued expansion of its business outside of New York City, the statement noted, with projects in Florida, China and Central and Eastern Europe.

Last year, the commercial and residential developer established a joint venture in Warsaw, Poland, with Kulczyk Real Estate Holding, to develop office, retail and mixed-use properties throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Kulczyk Silverstein Properties purchased its first commercial office building, the Stratos Office Center, last year.

In January, Silverstein Properties established a joint venture with China Bridge Capital and the state-owned Jiangbeizui Central Business District Investment and Development Co., the statement said. It was not immediately apparent what Silverstein’s plans for real estate development in China included.

Previously, Burger worked for the Blackstone Group and Goldman Sachs’ Whitehall Real Estate Funds. Before joining Silverstein in 2010, he operated his own firm, Artisan Real Estate, and prior to that he served as president of Related Las Vegas, the Las Vegas division of the New York City-based developer.

Burger most recently handled financing for the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Disney World, a $364 million, 444-room luxury resort set to open this week.

Silverstein’s 4 World Trade tower is currently under construction, rising to 58 stories as of today. Last year, Silverstein opened the largest residential development in New York City, the Silver Towers, on 42nd Street. — Guelda Voien